An Introduction to Aesthetics

This volume is a fascinating introduction to the core themes and basic methods of aesthetics and the philosophy of art. Providing an analytic and historical treatment of the issues, and including many illustrative examples to both motivate and reinforce theoretical discussion, An Introduction to Aesthetics is the ideal course book for the philosophical novice.

Beginning with definitions of aesthetic questions and language, the author then goes on to examine relations between artist, work of art and audience, whilst throughout developing three important aesthetic theories which compete for philosophical attention: participatory aesthetics, aesthetic experience, and theory of response and institutional activity. In this way, the author encourages an understanding of aesthetic theory, whether, and to what extent, it is possible, and what the alternatives might be. The book also includes an appendix (containing the texts referred to in the book), a comprehensive glossary and further reading suggestions to help the student reader develop a deeper comprehension of the field.