Aesthetics: Kant and Schiller

Many professionals working in international development subscribe to the concept of a “hierarchy of needs” where pleasure, leisure and aesthetics are often relegated to after-thoughts after the basic necessities for life (food, shelter, water, etc.) are met. While basic needs for survival are essential for staying alive, it begs the question – is there more to life than just survival? In discussing the readings from Kant and Schiller, we will explore the argument that pleasure and aesthetics are not necessarily opposed to development, but by contrast are essential for creating emancipated and creative, fully- developed individuals and communities.

Required Readings

Kant, Immanuel. (1790). 3^rd Critique of Aesthetic Judgement. [Part 1]. LINK
Schiller, Friedrich. (1794). Letters on the Aesthetics Education of Man. [As much as you can: in particular, letters II, IV, VI, VIII, IX, XV, XVII, XX, XXI, XXII ] LINK

Recommended Readings

Explore the Association for the Study of the Arts of the Present (ASAP): http://www.clemson.edu/asap7/