1. Aesthetics: general introduction - 1 Aesthetics: general Introduction u1. What is aesthetics? zEtymology Although Greek in origin (aisthetikos - pertaining to sense perception), the word was first introduced into philosophical discourse by Gottlieb Baumgarten (1714-1762). Baumgarten used the word to refer to the general science of perception, & he treated “poetics” as a branch of aesthetics.

2. Aesthetics: general introduction - 2 Aesthetics: general Introduction zContemporary usage - 3 senses That aspect of anything which is beautiful or elegant The theory behind an art-historical movement

3. Aesthetics: general introduction - 3 Aesthetics: general Introduction The philosophy of art –A formal df. of philosophical aesthetics: “the critical and systematic reflection on fundamental questions about art.” –How philosophical aesthetics differs from art appreciation and art history. zPrincipal questions of philosophical aesthetics

4. Aesthetics: general introduction - 4 Aesthetics: general Introduction zPrincipal questions of philosophical aesthetics The 2 principal ones –What is art? –What is good art? Other questions –* Truth in art –Creativity

5. Aesthetics: general introduction - 5 Aesthetics: general Introduction –Interpretation of works of art –* Theories of beauty –* Art & morality –Art & religion –Art & science –* The philosophy of the history of art –* The value of art

6. Aesthetics: general introduction - 6 Aesthetics: general Introduction u2. The concept of the fine arts zIt’s evolution The ancient Greeks –No word for the fine arts; the closest equivalent is techné The ancient Romans –Also had no word for the fine arts; the closest equivalent is ars The ancient status of poetry & music vs painting, sculpture, & architecture

7. Aesthetics: general introduction - 7 Aesthetics: general Introduction The Middle Ages, Hugo of St. Victor (d.1141) listed 7 mechanical arts corresponding to the 7 liberal arts. The Renaissance –Brought a dramatic but slow change to the social status of the art. äLinked painting, sculpture, & architecture to the sciences and literature.

8. Aesthetics: general introduction - 8 Aesthetics: general Introduction äLinked painting, sculpture, & architecture to the sciences and literature. äThese three visual arts now belonged to the “humanities” or “liberal arts.” 18th century - The modern system of the fine arts was first articulated by Ábbe Batteux in 1746.

9. Aesthetics: general introduction - 9 Aesthetics: general Introduction –Batteux’s list ämusic äpoetry äpainting äsculpture ädance äarchitecture - mixed ätheatre - combines all

10. Aesthetics: general introduction - 10 Aesthetics: general Introduction –For Batteux, these arts have pleasure for their end vs the mechanical arts which have utility for their end –How might Batteux’s list be expanded today?

11. Aesthetics: general introduction - 11 Aesthetics: general Introduction zA 2nd way to clarify the notion of the fine arts; to set off the fine arts from crafts R.G. Collingwood’s suggestion –Craft has a predictable result; art does not –Craft always has a practical use; art does not

12. Aesthetics: general introduction - 12 Aesthetics: general Introduction –Craft is a skilled activity which can be repeated endlessly; the creation of a work of art is a one time affair u3. The value of philosophical aesthetics zIt is central to being human (Or is it? See Jared Diamond essay) zEnhances one’s understanding and appreciation of the fine arts, & this in turn enriches life

13. Aesthetics: general introduction - 13 Aesthetics: general Introduction zEnables one to distinguish between good and bad art uJared Diamond (“Animal Origins of Art,” in The Third Chimpanzee, 1992) on the origins of art zEmerged c. 40,000 yrs. ago zIs art uniquely human? Chimp paintings

14. Aesthetics: general introduction - 14 Aesthetics: general Introduction Bowerbirds building of bowers –Purpose? To attract mates. Do humans create works of art purely for disinterested contemplation? Diamond: Human create art because it has survival value and helps pass on genes.

15. Aesthetics: general introduction - 15 Aesthetics: general Introduction An important caveat: Behaviors expand beyond their original functions. The creation of works of art has expanded well beyond its original purposes.