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Systematic Aesthetics
"A closely reasoned account defining, arranging, and systematically explicating some of the major concepts of aesthetics. Winfield's system has range and power such that it will invite a variety of commentary and discussion among those scholars who take a serious interest in the concepts analyzed in this kind of philosophical endeavor."--David A. White, DePaul University "A clear and comprehensive exposition, critical analysis, and defense of Hegel's aesthetics in relation to some of its most significant competitors in the history of Western thought."--Robert E. Wood, University of Dallas Systematic Aesthetics rehabilitates and develops the approach to aesthetics pioneered by Hegel, showing how it overcomes the dilemmas undermining the two other basic options in aesthetic theory, the metaphysical (pioneered by Plato and Aristotle) and the transcendental (initiated by Hume and Kant and dominating contemporary theory).
By demonstrating the pitfalls of these other approaches, Winfield frees aesthetics from the appeal to privileged givens and determining processes of reception that obscure the individuality underlying all aspects of fine art.
Systematic Aesthetics provides a thorough account of the concept of beauty, of the type of truth suited for artistic construal, and of the special transfiguration of content in art--how the unity of meaning and configuration affects the physical being of the artwork and its relation to its audience, how artistic creation operates, and how the reception of art involves both catharsis and aesthetic judgment--without succumbing to arbitrary interpretation.
In the course of providing an independent theory of his own, Winfield engages in a critical dialogue with classic and contemporary figures in the philosophy of art, from Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Hegel, and Heidegger to Lukács, Szondi, Derrida, Goodman, and Danto. Both in the breadth of debate that it enters and in the scope of the issues that it addresses, Systematic Aesthetics stands apart. Paving the way for further exploration of particular art forms, Winfield presents a radical challenge to the dogmas of tradition and of postmodernism alike. Richard Dien Winfield is professor of philosophy at the University of Georgia. His previous books include The Just Economy; Reason and Justice; Overcoming Foundations; Freedom and Modernity; and Law in Civil Society.
By demonstrating the pitfalls of these other approaches, Winfield frees aesthetics from the appeal to privileged givens and determining processes of reception that obscure the individuality underlying all aspects of fine art.
Systematic Aesthetics provides a thorough account of the concept of beauty, of the type of truth suited for artistic construal, and of the special transfiguration of content in art--how the unity of meaning and configuration affects the physical being of the artwork and its relation to its audience, how artistic creation operates, and how the reception of art involves both catharsis and aesthetic judgment--without succumbing to arbitrary interpretation.
In the course of providing an independent theory of his own, Winfield engages in a critical dialogue with classic and contemporary figures in the philosophy of art, from Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Hegel, and Heidegger to Lukács, Szondi, Derrida, Goodman, and Danto. Both in the breadth of debate that it enters and in the scope of the issues that it addresses, Systematic Aesthetics stands apart. Paving the way for further exploration of particular art forms, Winfield presents a radical challenge to the dogmas of tradition and of postmodernism alike. Richard Dien Winfield is professor of philosophy at the University of Georgia. His previous books include The Just Economy; Reason and Justice; Overcoming Foundations; Freedom and Modernity; and Law in Civil Society.
- GenresPhilosophy
250 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1995
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About the author
Richard Dien Winfield
29 books6 followersRichard Dien Winfield (PhD Yale) is Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Georgia, where he has taught since 1982. Winfield has served as president of the Society for Systematic Philosophy, the Hegel Society of America, and the Metaphysical Society of America.
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January 25, 2025
In Systematic Aesthetics, Winfield ambitiously undertakes a thorough reevaluation of aesthetic theory through the framework of Hegelian philosophy. This book stands as a comprehensive exploration into the philosophy of art, seeking to establish a systematic understanding of aesthetics that goes beyond traditional interpretations.
Winfield starts by critiquing the existing schools of aesthetic thought, from ancient Greek theories to modern-day critiques, positioning his work as an extension and critique of Hegel's own aesthetic philosophy. He argues for an approach where the essence of art is not merely in its reflection of reality or its subjective appreciation but in its configuration and self-understanding.
The book is organized into clear sections that address different aspects of art - from the symbolic, classical, and romantic forms as delineated by Hegel, to a broader examination of how art communicates across cultures and historical periods. Winfield's method is both analytical and synthetic, providing readers with a framework to understand art not just as an individual experience but as a dialectical process within society.
Winfield's prose is marked by philosophical rigor, presenting complex ideas with precision and depth. His discussions on art's truth, beauty, and significance are particularly noteworthy, offering fresh insights into how art can be both universally understood and uniquely interpreted based on cultural context.
Systematic Aesthetics challenges readers to reconsider the philosophical underpinnings of art appreciation and creation. While its intellectual demands are high, the book is invaluable for those engaged with or studying the philosophy of art, offering a rich tapestry of thought that both honors and extends Hegelian philosophy into contemporary discourse.
Disclaimer: I was a student of Dr. Winfield at the University of Georgia.
Winfield starts by critiquing the existing schools of aesthetic thought, from ancient Greek theories to modern-day critiques, positioning his work as an extension and critique of Hegel's own aesthetic philosophy. He argues for an approach where the essence of art is not merely in its reflection of reality or its subjective appreciation but in its configuration and self-understanding.
The book is organized into clear sections that address different aspects of art - from the symbolic, classical, and romantic forms as delineated by Hegel, to a broader examination of how art communicates across cultures and historical periods. Winfield's method is both analytical and synthetic, providing readers with a framework to understand art not just as an individual experience but as a dialectical process within society.
Winfield's prose is marked by philosophical rigor, presenting complex ideas with precision and depth. His discussions on art's truth, beauty, and significance are particularly noteworthy, offering fresh insights into how art can be both universally understood and uniquely interpreted based on cultural context.
Systematic Aesthetics challenges readers to reconsider the philosophical underpinnings of art appreciation and creation. While its intellectual demands are high, the book is invaluable for those engaged with or studying the philosophy of art, offering a rich tapestry of thought that both honors and extends Hegelian philosophy into contemporary discourse.
Disclaimer: I was a student of Dr. Winfield at the University of Georgia.
Displaying 1 of 1 review