- Aesthetics – Wikipedia
This Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of aesthetics, covering its definition, history, and various philosophical perspectives. It discusses the nature of beauty, art, and taste, as well as the relationship between aesthetics and other fields such as ethics and psychology. The page also explores the practical applications of aesthetics in different domains, including visual arts, design, and everyday life. - “Aesthetics”. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
This entry from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of aesthetics, delving into its historical development and key theoretical issues. It addresses topics such as the nature of aesthetic experience, the definition of art, and the role of emotions in aesthetic judgment. The entry also discusses the contributions of major philosophers to the field of aesthetics. - “The Concept of the Aesthetic”. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
This article from The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy focuses on the concept of the aesthetic, examining its philosophical significance and evolution. It covers various interpretations of the term “aesthetic” and its implications for understanding art, beauty, and sensory experience. The article also discusses the relationship between the aesthetic and other domains of human cognition and value. - “Aesthetics: A Very Short Introduction” by Bence Nanay
This book provides a concise introduction to the field of aesthetics, offering a clear and accessible overview of its central concepts and debates. It is a useful resource for readers who are new to the subject and wish to gain a basic understanding of aesthetic theory and its relevance to human culture and creativity. - “Beauty”. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
This entry from The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy explores the concept of beauty from a philosophical perspective, addressing its nature, significance, and role in aesthetic experience. It discusses different theories of beauty proposed by prominent philosophers and examines the cultural and historical variability of aesthetic judgments regarding beauty. - “Aesthetics”. Encyclopedia Britannica
The Encyclopedia Britannica’s entry on aesthetics provides a general overview of the field, discussing its historical development, key concepts, and relationship to other areas of inquiry. It offers a broad introduction to the study of aesthetics and its interdisciplinary connections, making it a valuable resource for those seeking a foundational understanding of the subject.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthetics
Aesthetics (also spelled esthetics) is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of beauty and the nature of taste; and functions as the philosophy of art. Aesthetics examines the philosophy of aesthetic value, which is determined by critical judgements of artistic taste; thus, the function of aesthetics is the "critical reflection on art, culture and nature".
Aesthetics studies natural and artificial sources of experiences and how people form a judgement about those sources of experience. It considers what happens in our minds when we engage with objects or environments such as viewing visual art, listening to music, reading poetry, experiencing a play, watching a fashion show, movie, sports or exploring various aspects of nature.
The philosophy of art specifically studies how artists imagine, create, and perform works of art, as well as how people use, enjoy, and criticize art. Aesthetics considers why people like some works of art and not others, as well as how art can affect our moods and our beliefs. Both aesthetics and the philosophy of art try to find answers to what exactly is art and what makes good art.
English
Alternative forms
- æsthetics, esthetics
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ɛsˈθɛt.ɪks/, (nonstandard) /ɛsˈtɛt.ɪks/
Etymology 1
From aesthetic + -ics.