PHIL 3700 Philosophy of Motion Pictures

Philosophy of film is today one of the leading branches of philosophical aesthetics. While informed by and partly related to disciplines such as film studies, philosophy of film is concerned with questions that touch upon the ontological, epistemological, ethical, and aesthetic status of film as art. Among the issues considered, specific attention may be given to the ontology of film, to the question of narrative, to the role of emotions in the ethical and aesthetic assessment of film, and to the relation between fiction and nonfiction. Additionally, the course provides an analysis of how film may not only display pre-existing philosophical theories, but also challenge them by introducing novel and critical viewpoints through cinematic means. This class is writing intensive.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 3.0