The Aesthetics and Multimodality of Style : Experimental Research on the Edge of Theory

The book outlines experimental style research in aesthetics and multimodality research. It focuses on human cognitive and perceptual processes connected with style. On this basis, a common theoretical basis for style in literature, art, architecture, and design is proposed. – neuroaesthetics; stylistics; linguistics; cognition; art; design

Style research has a long and venerable tradition, but its results are highly fragmented. Style exists in language and literature, art and architecture – but every discipline has its own theories. New approaches in empirical aesthetics and multimodality call for broader perspectives. This book offers an overview of experimental research on style, and proposes a common theoretical basis. How do we perceive styles? How do styles change – and why? What is multimodal style? Are style and personality really connected? How is style related to aesthetic experiences? Which cognitive mechanisms are relevant for the creation and perception of styles? Are there neural correlates for style use? The book discusses these and further questions, providing researchers with a valuable source of new ideas.