An Introduction to Contemporary Aesthetics: Art, Community, and Experience gives students and other readers a comprehensive sense of the dynamic issues and problems in aesthetics and philosophy of art today. Each of the 14 chapters is written by a different expert in the field, and together they cover a wide range of methodological approaches and perspectives, including those from analytic and Continental philosophy, non-Eurocentric global traditions, and critical stances taken up by feminist philosophers and philosophers of race. In addition, the volume makes use of recent empirical work on art and beauty as well as examples of artistic expressions from cultures from around the world.
In contrast to other coursebooks, which are often structured entirely around artforms, this volume frames much of its contents around core aesthetic concepts—like good or bad taste, interpretation, or authenticity—with each chapter devoted to a different concept. Within each chapter, the reader will find a range of engaging artforms and experiences. The contents of the volume are laid out in four parts: the first focuses on foundational questions in aesthetics and the second on key aesthetic concepts. The third part focuses on applied questions relating to particular artforms and genres (e.g., horror, comedy, AI art, games). Finally, the last part of the volume takes a wider, but still practical, view, focusing on why aesthetic life matters to us, both as a society and as individuals.
Key Features
Written in a non-technical style for readers new to aesthetics and with little or no background in philosophy or the study of the arts Draws on examples readers encounter in everyday life and popular culture, from Drake to Philly cheesesteaks Deals with questions that concern many college students today: Does authenticity even matter and, if so, why? What’s wrong with enjoying the work of an immoral artist? How are our homes and schools important places of aesthetic meaning? Each chapter is written as a biased survey, with clear coverage of the historical and contemporary literature on the topic but also from a distinct, subjective point of view Non-Eurocentric philosophies or examples are included throughout the book, highlighting the rich and diverse philosophical work from around the globe Discussion Questions offer student readers opportunities to engage more fully with the problems raised in the text Suggestions for Further Reading at the end of each chapter identify the most promising avenues for further research on the topic
Introduction Part I: Foundational Questions 1. Aesthetic Value 2. Defining Art & Aesthetic Obligations 3. Good & Bad Taste Part II: Key Concepts 4. Interpretation: Is the Author’s Intention Relevant to Work Interpretation? 5. Fiction: Its Nature, Function, and Significance 6. Authenticity: What is it, Does it Matter, and Why? Part III: Applied Aesthetics 7. Uncanny Terrain: Mapping the Landscape of Philosophy of Horror 8. Aesthetic Life in the Digital Age: How Emerging Technologies Affect Creativity, Consumption, and Community 9. Why Play Games?: The Value of Videogames 10. Humor as a Tool (and a Weapon) Part IV: The Value of Aesthetic Life 11. Immoral Art, Immoral Artists, and the Ethical Fan 12. The Ugly Side of Beauty: Personal Beauty, Oppression, and Style 13. There’s No Place Like Home: A Sense of Place in Everyday Aesthetics 14. Existential Aesthetics: Self-Understanding in a Messy World
Emmie Malone is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at San Jose State University, USA. She is the author of an open educational history of philosophy coursebook, Inventing Knowledge: A Global & Historical Introduction to Philosophy (2025). Elizabeth Scarbrough is Associate Teaching Professor at Florida International University, USA. Scarbrough currently serves as a trustee of the American Society for Aesthetics and as the co-chair of their Feminist Caucus Committee.
Reviews for An Introduction to Contemporary Aesthetics: Art, Community, and Experience
“An excellent entry point into philosophical aesthetics. The chapters draw on a rich array of examples from diverse cultural traditions (from ancient Chinese court jesters and Japanese folklore to rap artists, video games, and horror movies), all presented in an engaging and accessible way. This is a volume that will serve students, instructors, and general readers alike—an essential resource for anyone looking to understand how philosophy approaches art and our aesthetic lives.” -- Brandon Polite, Professor and Chair of Philosophy at Knox College, Illinois, USA.
