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Aesthetics.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics (or esthetics) is a branch of philosophy dealing with the definition of beauty. The word aesthetics was first used by German philosopher Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten, who helped to establish the study of aesthetics as a separate philosophical field of study.
The word aesthetic can be used as a noun meaning "that which appeals to the senses." Someone's aesthetic has a lot to do with their artistic judgement. For example, an individual who wears flowered clothing, drives a flowered car, and paints their home with flowers has a particular aesthetic.
Some of the meaning of aesthetic as an adjective can be illuminated by comparing it to anaesthetic, which is by construction an antonym of aesthetic. If something is anaesthetic, it tends to dull the senses or cause sleepiness. In contrast, aesthetic may be thought of as anything that tends to enliven or invigorate or wake one up.
Table of contents showTocToggle("show","hide")
1 The philosopy of aesthetics
2 Aesthetics in art
3 Aesthetics in music
4 Aesthetics in architecture
5 Aesthetics in the performing arts
6 Aesthetics in literature
7 Aesthetics in landscape design
8 Culinary aesthetics
9 External links
The philosopy of aesthetics
This study of aesthetics is well-developed in theology, e.g. "water, greenery, and a beautiful face" were identified by Muhammad, founder and Prophet of Islam, as the key things that any person could differentiate from the background.
It is particularly important to the study of the individual's moral core, which is formed by epigenetics and examples through his or her lifetime, but has a common human foundation explored in cognitive science, anthropology and primatology.
Since actions or behavior can be said to have beauty beyond sensory appeal, aesthetics and ethics often overlap to the degree that this impression is embodied in a moral code or ethical code. Schopenhauer's aesthetics is one developed variation on this theme; Schopenhauer contrasted the contemplation of beauty against the evil world of the Will.
The theory of surrealist automatism is extra-aesthetic in that it is supposed to be practiced without (conscious) moral or aesthetic self-censorship.
The elements that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of an object depend upon the medium under design; some elements are listed below.
Aesthetics in art
Of course art appreciation is in the eyes of the beholder, although there are certain elements that we can define across a group of paintings that can be generalized or delineated, and hence discussed and analyzed on their own mertis.
Generally, art adheres to the aesthetic principles of symmetry/asymmetry, focal point, pattern, contrast, perspective, 3D dimensionality, movement, rhythm, unity/Gestalt, and proportion.
You can't take a sample of artwork, lay it down, critique it across aesthetic dimensions, and reach some kind of quantitative judgement as to its quality. Great paintings touch our souls; they may violate some guidelines or lend different weights to various aesthetic principles (sometimes a piece of art veers violently from an aesthetic principle specifically for effect). Yet the principle of aesthetics gives us a basis for discussion.
Aesthetics in music
Music has the ability to affect our emotions, intellect, and our psychology; lyrics can assuage our loneliness or incite our passions. As such music is a powerful art form, and its aesthetic appeal is highly dependent upon the culture where it is practiced.
Some of the aesthetic elements expressed in music include lyricism, harmony, hypnotism, emotiveness, temporal dynamics, resonance, playfulness, and colour.
Aesthetics in architecture
Applying aesthetics to buildings and related architectural structures is complex, as factors extrinsic to visual design (such as structural integrity, cost, the nature of building materials, and the functional utility of the building) contribute heavily to the design process.
Notwithstanding, architectural designers can still apply the aesthetic principles of ornamentation, edge deliniation, texture, flow, solemnity, symmetry, color, granularity, the interaction of sunlight and shadows, transcendence, and harmony.
Aesthetics in the performing arts
Performing artists appeal to our aesthetics of storytelling, grace, balance, class, timing, strength, shock, humor, costume, irony, beauty, and sensuality.
Aesthetics in literature
Encompassing poetry, short stories, novels, and non-fiction, authors use a variety of techniques to appeal to our aesthetic values. Depending on the type of writing an author may employ rhythm, illustrations, structure, time shifting, juxtaposition, dualism, imagery, fantasy, suspense, analysis, humor/cynicism, and thinking aloud.
Aesthetics in landscape design
Landscape designers use natural and artificial materials scaling from the size of a person to the expanse of a golf course. They may employ water (in pools, streams, or fountains), color, plants, reflection, seasonal variance, stonework, fragrance, variance of viewing expansiveness (depth of field?), exterior lighting, repetition, statues, and lawns as aesthetic elements.
Culinary aesthetics
Although food is a basic and frequently experienced commodity, careful attention to the aesthetic possibilities of foodstuffs can turn eating into dining. Chefs inspire our gastronomy with regionalism, spices, diversity/contrast, anticipation, seduction, and decoration/garnishes.
External links
- Aesthetics in art
- Aesthetics in music
- Aesthetics in architecture
- Aesthetics in the performing arts
- Culinary aesthetics
See also: morality, ethics, aestheticism
This article is adapted from from Wikipedia All Wikipedia article text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
The Substance of Style: How the Rise of Aesthetic Value Is Remaking Commerce, Culture, and Consciousness by Virginia Postrel
Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren
Finding an Ending: Reflections on Wagner's Ring by Philip Kitcher
In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki
The Beauty Myth : How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women by Naomi Wolf
Aristotle's Poetics by Aristotle
The Geometry of Art and Life by Matila Ghyka
Why Paint Cats: The Ethics of Feline Aesthetics by Burton Silver
Beauty : The Invisible Embrace by John O'Donohue
The Art Firm: Aesthetic Management and Metaphysical Marketing by Pierre Guillet De Monthoux
Marketing Aesthetics: The Strategic Management of Brands, Identity and Image by Bernd H. Schmitt
The Beauty of the Infinite: The Aesthetics of Christian Truth by David Bentley Hart
Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics by Heather Busch
Art Forms in Nature by Ernst Haeckel
Variations on a Blue Guitar: The Lincoln Center Institute Lectures on Aesthetic Education by Maxine Greene
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