Essays on Beauty and the Arts

by Bernard Bolzano, Dominic Lopes (Editor)

Bernard Bolzano’s (1781–1848) writings in aesthetics are clear, concise, and explicit about method. Provocative and revisionary, they champion broad views of beauty, the arts, and their social function. Dominic McIver Lopes's introductory materials place Bolzano's essays in context, give them a new interpretation, and map out how to teach them, in full or in part, in a variety of courses.

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 20, 2023

Reviews

[Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Written in a very clear style, Bolzano offers a very complete theory of beauty and art. Unlike with Hegel, Kant, and Schopenhauer, you don’t have to squint to make his theory work. It’s intuitive and most surprisingly, very forward-looking! Unlike Hegel, Bolzano does not think we are at the end of art, and in one very charming section, he seems to predict something like the music video as an art form!

I think even if you have a passing interest in aesthetics you should read this. It’s short and well worth your time.

Also great introduction by Dominic Lopes! I’m currently taking a class with him so it was great to read some of his writing.