The Metaphysics of Beauty
Exploring the Nature and Significance of Beauty
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Cornell University Press
Published:14th Jun '01
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
In The Metaphysics of Beauty, Nick Zangwill examines beauty's nature, arguing it is fundamentally linked to ordinary features of things, enriching aesthetic discussions.
In chapters ranging from 'The Beautiful, the Dainty, and the Dumpy' to 'Skin-deep or In the Eye of the Beholder?', Nick Zangwill explores the complex nature of beauty. He delves into how beauty is perceived and understood in both subjective and objective terms. The current resurgence of interest in beauty, particularly within philosophical aesthetics, provides a rich backdrop for this exploration. Zangwill's work is especially timely as it addresses our experiences and judgments about art in a world increasingly focused on visual culture.
In The Metaphysics of Beauty, Zangwill posits that beauty is inherently tied to the ordinary features of things. This foundational idea serves as a basis for his arguments, as he advocates for a refined version of aesthetic formalism. By doing so, he invites readers to reconsider the very reality of beauty itself, challenging established notions and encouraging a deeper understanding of aesthetic appreciation.
Ultimately, The Metaphysics of Beauty elevates the discussion of beauty to a central position in intellectual discourse. Zangwill's engagement with contemporary metaphysics enriches our understanding of beauty as a significant and enduring aspect of human thought and experience. This book is essential for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of beauty and its role in our lives.
The core of aesthetics—at least when distinguished from the philosophy of art or criticism—is the study of beauty and the aesthetic experience. This is a fascinating but difficult part of the subject. Nick Zangwill has, as he says, been thinking about the topic for about a decade.... It is to the author's credit that he has given us a book packed with argument and insight, which is bound to open up new areas of enquiry in the area.
- Derek Matravers, The Open University (British Journal of Aesthetic)Zangwill has written a book which seeks, in part at least, to restore beauty to a primary place in aesthetic theory.... His project is quite ambitious. And Zangwill delivers. The book is enjoyable to read and offers an interesting alternative view of aesthetic value.... He writes with a clear, straightforward, and engaging style. The book is well researched. I enjoyed reading it, and I believe anyone interested in contemporary issues in aesthetics will find the book very rewarding.
- Julia Driver, Dartmouth College (Australasian Journal of Philosophy)The book touches on an impressive range of topics in analytic aesthetics.... Throughout, Zangwill confronts the best of philosophical aesthetics in an engaging and honest style. When he is uneasy with his own views he says so, and he is not above occasionally admitting that his opponents are right. That said, Zangwill spends most of the book arguing iconoclastically and inventively against philosophical orthodoxy. Zangwill brings thoroughness, erudition and insight... to each of the issues he tackles.... The Metaphysics of Beauty as a stimulating and spirited tour through many of the central issues of contemporary aesthetics, is clear testament to the vibrancy of that tradition.
- Glenn Parsons, University of Toronto (Philosophy in RevISBN: 9780801438202
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 24mm
Weight: 907g
240 pages