History, Anthropology, Religions

The question of art in Hegel and Benjamin Although quite different and in some ways contrasting, Hegel's and Benjamin's aesthetic perspectives converge in giving art a revealing role not only as taste or fancy of an era, but as its deeper, and often by other means impenetrable, historical orientations, sometimes anticipating almost prophetically its outcomes. In this way, Hegel's philosophy of art, through its examination of the differences and dissolutions that occurred between one historical form and another (particularly between classical and Romantic art), and Benjamin's analyses of the backlash that occurred between art and technique, become precise diagnoses around the idea of modernity and its foundations. Which lets us glimpse within the two aesthetic reflections, even in the divergence of perspectives, an equally close dialogue, between philosophy of art and philosophy of history. In the background are the relations between art and religion and the process of secularization that has seen artistic practice in modernity prevail over territories that had been proper to religious liturgy.

A basic knowledge of philosophical disciplines (corresponding to the level of the upper secondary school) is required. In particular, it is needed a mastery of the basic philosophical terminology.

1. Hegel, Estetica, in una delle edizioni italiane di riferimento (parti scelte). 2. W. Benjamin, Il dramma barocco tedesco, Einaudi, Torino 1999. 3. W. Benjamin, L’opera d’arte nell’epoca della sua riproducibilità, in una delle edizioni italiane di riferimento. 4. W. Benjamin, antologia dei testi che saranno trattati durante il corso da Angelus Novus.

Attending the course is highly recommended.

The examination will be constituted by an oral final test, that will verify the preparation of the candidate in relation to the examination program and to the required historical-philosophical competences. To pass this text, students must show particularly: 1. In-depth knowledge of the content of the texts; 2. Skill of communicating it and mastery of the technical terminology of the author; 3. Ability to grasp the main issues and to discuss them critically; 4. Ability to find his/her way in the bibliography and to discuss it. 1. and 2. are necessary conditions to pass the exam. A final grade superior to 27 will be given to students who reach all the goals. Mid-term tests are not required.

Frontal lessons and seminar discussions of the text and the issues treated in the course.

The question of art in Hegel and Benjamin Although quite different and in some ways contrasting, Hegel's and Benjamin's aesthetic perspectives converge in giving art a revealing role not only as taste or fancy of an era, but as its deeper, and often by other means impenetrable, historical orientations, sometimes anticipating almost prophetically its outcomes. In this way, Hegel's philosophy of art, through its examination of the differences and dissolutions that occurred between one historical form and another (particularly between classical and Romantic art), and Benjamin's analyses of the backlash that occurred between art and technique, become precise diagnoses around the idea of modernity and its foundations. Which lets us glimpse within the two aesthetic reflections, even in the divergence of perspectives, an equally close dialogue, between philosophy of art and philosophy of history. In the background are the relations between art and religion and the process of secularization that has seen artistic practice in modernity prevail over territories that had been proper to religious liturgy.

A basic knowledge of philosophical disciplines (corresponding to the level of the upper secondary school) is required. In particular, it is needed a mastery of the basic philosophical terminology.

1. Hegel, Estetica, in una delle edizioni italiane di riferimento (parti scelte). 2. W. Benjamin, Il dramma barocco tedesco, Einaudi, Torino 1999. 3. W. Benjamin, L’opera d’arte nell’epoca della sua riproducibilità, in una delle edizioni italiane di riferimento. 4. W. Benjamin, antologia dei testi che saranno trattati durante il corso da Angelus Novus.

Attending the course is highly recommended.

The examination will be constituted by an oral final test, that will verify the preparation of the candidate in relation to the examination program and to the required historical-philosophical competences. To pass this text, students must show particularly: 1. In-depth knowledge of the content of the texts; 2. Skill of communicating it and mastery of the technical terminology of the author; 3. Ability to grasp the main issues and to discuss them critically; 4. Ability to find his/her way in the bibliography and to discuss it. 1. and 2. are necessary conditions to pass the exam. A final grade superior to 27 will be given to students who reach all the goals. Mid-term tests are not required.

Frontal lessons and seminar discussions of the text and the issues treated in the course.