In this tutorial we will explore questions concerning the nature of art. For example, what does it mean for art to be beautiful? Should all art strive for beauty, or is there a place and purpose for ugly art? Is art merely entertainment, or does it reveal truth? If the latter, what sort of truth does it reveal (philosophical, religious, political) and how? If it is entertainment, is it a special sort of entertainment-"elevating" us, say, or "purging" us of dangerous desires-or simply one kind of fun among others? How you answer these questions may affect how you answer some political ones: Should the state underwrite the arts? Should it censor them? What sort of artworks should be politically encouraged or discouraged, if any? We will approach these issues through an exploration of some of the most important and influential philosophical positions on art found in the Western intellectual tradition. We will also consider how these positions illuminate particular artworks, and how they bear on current political controversies related to art (such as whether the National Endowment for the Arts should continue to exist and, if so, what role it should play; and whether politicians should have a say regarding the artworks that are to be displayed in museums that receive public funding). Authors to be read may include Plato, Aristotle, Lessing, Kant, Schiller, Hegel, and Heidegger. Format: tutorial. Requirements: Students will meet weekly in pairs, and will alternate between presenting a paper and offering a critique of the paper presented by their partner. Prerequisite: Philosophy 101 or 102 or 201 or permission of the instructor.