Introducing Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art

Introducing Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art explores the classic questions in the philosophy of art through provocative artworks. Written in a clear and fresh style, this comprehensive textbook provides an accessible and engaging entry point for students to the central philosophical issues in the arts. An excellent resource for students and academics alike. -- Sondra Bacharach, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand This is one of the best introductions to Philosophy of Art around. Hudson Hick judges the current vibe among students exceptionally well. Recent and contemporary examples of art, literature, music and film, prompt the kind of questions that lead naturally to the key concepts and theories presented in this book. Drawing mostly from analytic aesthetics, as well as continental philosophy on interpretation, the book provides a genuine opportunity to develop understanding of art and its reception. And while the level at which the text is pitched is appropriate for beginners, the dialectic occasions the kind of critical debate that will also engage the more advanced student. A timely new feature of this edition is the chapter on diversity which flags the burgeoning material on perspectivism. The final chapter completes the promise of the title, raising questions pertinent to the aesthetics of nature. -- Jennifer A. McMahon, Professor of Philosophy, The University of Adelaide, Australia Darren Hudson Hick's Introduction to Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art offers a fresh, engaging take on both central and historically neglected topics in aesthetics. Hick presents complex debates in an accessible way and brings thinkers from different traditions and historical moments seamlessly into conversation. Examples from a wide variety of art forms keep the discussion lively while drawing out the implications of the theories on offer. * Sherri Irvin, Presidential Research Professor of Philosophy and Women's and Gender Studies and Co-Director of the Center for Social Justice, University of Oklahoma, USA *