Aesthetics and Morality - (Bloomsbury Aesthetics) by Elisabeth Schellekens (Paperback)

About the Book

Should moral belief play a part in aesthetic judgement? And is it either possible or desirable to separate one from the other? In this stimulating, lucid and insightful inquiry, philosopher Elisabeth Schellekens invites readers to reflect on their own opinions about art and morality, drawing upon the full wealth of Western philosophical thinking.

Book Synopsis

Aesthetic and moral value are often seen to go hand in hand. They do so not only practically, such as in our everyday assessments of artworks that raise moral questions, but also theoretically, such as in Kant's theory that beauty is the symbol of morality. Some philosophers have argued that it is in the relation between aesthetic and moral value that the key to an adequate understanding of either notion lies. But difficult questions abound. Must a work of art be morally admirable in order to be aesthetically valuable? How, if at all, do our moral values shape our aesthetic judgements - and vice versa?

Aesthetics and Morality is a stimulating and insightful inquiry into precisely this set of questions. Elisabeth Schellekens explores the main ideas and debates at the intersection of aesthetics and moral philosophy. She invites readers to reflect on the nature of beauty, art and morality, and provides the philosophical knowledge to render such reflection more rigorous. This original, inspiring and entertaining book sheds valuable new light on a notably complex and challenging area of thought.

Review Quotes

'Schellekens guides the reader through some of the central problems in philosophical aesthetics in an interesting and original way. Aesthetics and Morality offers a refreshing alternative to more traditional introductions to aesthetics.'Â James Harold, Mount Holyoke College, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, July 2008Â

'A comprehensive and authoritative survey of the complex relations between the aesthetic and the moral, not just saying what the issues are but reflecting judiciously on them. Above all, a delight to read.' Professor Peter Lamarque, Department of Philosophy, University of York, UK

About the Author

Elisabeth Schellekens is Lecturer in Philosophy at Durham University, UK.