Aesthetics for Birds

Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art for Everyone

Heidegger Meets Van Gogh: Art, Freedom, and Technology – Free Online IAI Course

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Van Gogh, Pair of Shoes, 1886

Van Gogh, Pair of Shoes, 1886

About the Course

Modern philosophers traditionally thought of science as the realm of truth and art as the realm of beauty. And with the industrial revolution, western societies followed suit. Technology became the driving force of history as art became a sphere of entertainment.

In this two-part course, Philosopher Simon Glendinning challenges this conception by outlining Heidegger’s critique of technology whilst arguing that art is the path to freedom.

You will learn about:

  • Heidegger’s critique of modernity and the predominance of technology.
  • The nature and history of scientific rationality.
  • Heidegger’s reading of the work of Vincent Van Gogh.
  • Art’s relationship to truth and freedom.

Through video lectures, questions and suggested reading discover why art remains a true source of wisdom.  Share your ideas and support your learning through our discussion boards and test your knowledge through questions throughout the course.

Requirements

This course is designed for anyone interested in art, technology or the philosophy of Martin Heidegger and requires no prior knowledge. Whether you’re student, artist or you just want to learn more, we welcome you to join this course.

About the Instructor

  • Simon Glendinning

    Simon Glendinning is Professor of European Philosophy at the London School of Economics and Director of the Forum for European Philosophy. His books includeOn Being With Others: Heidegger-Wittgenstein-Derrida (Routledge) and Derrida: A Short Introduction (OUP).

Course Syllabus

  • Part One: Technology and Chains
    Does modern technology lead to increased freedom and power? Or, as Heidegger said, are we increasingly “unfree and chained”?
  • Part Two: Art and Freedom
    Life in the technological age seems to lack real meaning. Glendinning looks to the creative arts as a potential “saving power”.

Fore more information, check out the course’s website: https://iai.tv/iai-academy/courses/info?course=heidegger-meets-van-gogh-art-freedom-and-technology.


To get you excited, check out a 2009 article from Harper’s: Philosopher’s Rumble Over Van Gogh’s Shoes. And if you’re really into it, check out Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s article on Heidegger’s Aesthetics written by Iain Thomson.

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