Master of Arts in Philosophy - Arts and Aesthetics

The Masters Degree in Philosophy with a focus on the Arts and Aesthetics at Stony Brook is an intensive, cross-disciplinary program. Founded in 2005, the program explores the intersections between philosophy and art, offering a terminal MA to theorists, practicing artists, critics, and those with an interest in the philosophical implications of art history and contemporary artistic practices. No other set of courses with a comparable emphasis exists in the New York area. Our seminars are characterized by close attention to specific texts in the history of philosophy and innovative approaches to traditional and contemporary art, drawing on arts venues and resources in New York City. The Philosophy Department at Stony Brook University is internationally recognized for its focus on contemporary European philosophy and its interdisciplinary orientation. Stony Brook Philosophy Department faculty who specialize in or have strong research interests in aesthetics, phenomenology, the history of philosophy, psychoanalysis, and technoscience teach M.A. seminars, with additional faculty support from the departments of Art, Music, and Cultural Analysis and Theory. The program also attracts renowned visiting scholars and artists to teach courses and give lectures.