Introducing Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art

Book excerpt: Guiding readers through major problems, issues and debates in aesthetics, this is a bias-free introduction for students studying the philosophy of art for the first time. Each chapter of the book begins by considering a particular work of art - from contemporary conceptual art, through literature to TV soap operas - to help students understand and explore key philosophical discussions and ideas. Introducing Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art covers such topics as: definitions and the ontology of art; interpretation and intention; aesthetic properties and evaluation; emotion and the arts; art and morality; natural, environmental, and everyday aesthetics. Chapter summaries and outlines help to navigate the major topics covered, while annotated guides to further reading and 'unresolved questions' sections help to encourage and animate study and discussion beyond the text. For those seeking to master the subject this is the most complete introduction available.