Living Debates in Aesthetics : An Anthology

With articles written only by living authors, this anthology serves as an introduction to the central issues in art occupying philosophers today.

Living Debates in Aesthetics curates a broad selection of influential articles published over the last 20 years. Focusing exclusively on contemporary discussions, it covers topics connected to the new age of digital art, video games, changing copyright laws about images, art on the streets, and art of the body.

Each chapter contains three articles which provide opposing viewpoints. This debate structure shows how philosophers engage in ongoing debates about everyday issues. From what is wrong to female nudes to the work of immoral artists, we are invited to view all sides of a debate and learn how to construct arguments.

Featuring a diverse and balanced line-up of authors, this anthology represents an exciting mix of artworks including computer art, food, stand-up comedy and sport. Articles tackle pressing issues in race, cultural appropriation and cancel culture, bringing to life philosophical ideas about taste, experience, and judgement. An accompanying online website offers further engagement through specially-commissioned interviews with each of the authors.

What Living Debates in Aesthetics reveals is that ideas in aesthetics are all around us. Through this wide and varied collection of recent writing by esteemed philosophers we learn exactly why the objects and experiences we encounter on a daily basis are philosophically interesting.

For anyone looking for an inclusive and relevant introduction to aesthetics this is the place to start.