For the seventh summer in a row, Dr. Stephanie Jenkins will teach the “Philosophy School of Phish” course—more formally called the “Philosophy of Art and Music”—via Oregon State University’s Ecampus program. Using the band as a case study, students will explore canonical theories about art and its meaning, from ancient to modern times. As part of their required course work, students will attend three virtual listening assignments and conduct philosophical interviews with artists from the Phish community. Registration is open.

Space is limited. To enroll, follow instructions for registering through OSU’s ecampus and enroll in PHL 360: Philosophy & the Arts (CRN 72292). (Because this class is a special section of a regular course offering, you will not find PHL 360 listed online as “Philosophy School of Phish.”) Make sure Dr. Jenkins is listed as the professor. Note: You do not have to be a current OSU student to take this course. You’ll need to apply and enroll as a “non-degree seeking student.”

Assignments will address questions such as:

• What is beauty?
• What emotions does art provoke?
• What is the role of music in a meaningful life?
• What is the relationship between music and politics?

Potential reading includes:

• Jeanette Bicknell, Why Music Moves Us
• Michel Foucault, selected interviews
• Immanuel Kant, The Critique of Judgment
• Friedrich Nietzsche, The Birth of Tragedy

To learn more, follow the “request more information” button on the OSU Philosophy Ecampus website, call 800-667-1465 (option 1) or email ecampus@oregonstate.edu.

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