LIT-288 The Beautiful and Its Politics (3)

This course examines why beauty is such a powerful cultural ideal, and the arguments philosophers have made on its behalf; Plato and Kant insisted that beauty is truth, while critics argue for its political service of classism, sexism, and racism. Students explore how gender, race, class and ethnicity influence our understanding and experience of beauty. Students explore theories of what beauty is, why it matters, and whether it is irrelevant in a world full of urgent pressing needs. Usually Offered: spring. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Political Thought (Undergraduate Certificate).