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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.
The philosophy 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 example s 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.
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.
Performing artists appeal to our aesthetics of storytelling, grace, balance, class, timing, strength, shock, humor,
costume, irony, beauty, and sensuality.
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.
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
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