Aesthetic Life and Why It Matters

Aesthetic Life and Why It Matters offers three new answers to Socrates' question about how we should live, focusing on the place of aesthetic engagement in well-being. It explores how aesthetic commitments move us through the world, shape our well-being, sense of self, and connections to others, and satisfies a hunger for exploring our differences. The book is written in appealing prose, with vivid examples, a comprehensive introduction, and suggestions for further reading.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, your thoughts turn to the beauty of the moment. You take a bite of the delicious cake in front of you and savor the sweet, indulgent flavors. It's almost too sweet, but you can't help but indulge.

Suddenly, a new song catches your ear, and you can't stop listening. The melody is catchy, the lyrics are poignant, and it resonates with you in a way that you've never experienced before. You play the song for your friends, and they are equally impressed.

Later that night, you pick up a book and begin to read. The novel is wonderful, captivating your imagination and taking you on a journey through different worlds and characters. However, when you watch the movie adaptation of the same book, you are disappointed. The characters don't seem as well-developed, and the plot feels rushed.

The next day, you go shopping and try on a dress that you've been eyeing for weeks. It looks amazing in the store, but when you wear it home, you realize that it doesn't quite fit as well as you thought it would.

These experiences are all part of the aesthetic life, a way of living that emphasizes the importance of engaging with the world around us through our senses. Aesthetic Life and Why It Matters, a new book by three philosophers, offers three fresh perspectives on Socrates' timeless question: How should we live? These philosophers explore how aesthetic commitments shape our well-being, sense of self, and connections to others.

Aesthetic engagement is not just a luxury; it is a vital component of our lives. It allows us to achieve something meaningful, cultivate our individuality within a community, and satisfy our hunger for exploring our differences. The book provides vivid examples and a comprehensive introduction to aesthetics, making it an ideal self-contained module for introductory courses in philosophy.

Throughout the book, the authors engage in a thoughtful dialogue about value, addressing topics such as disagreement, subjectivism, ethnocentrism, fads and fashions, and ideology critique. They challenge readers to think critically about the ways in which aesthetics shape our lives and the world around us.

Written in appealing prose, with vivid examples, Aesthetic Life and Why It Matters is accessible to readers of all backgrounds. It is a testament to the power of aesthetics to enrich our lives and broaden our understanding of the world. Whether you are a philosopher, a student, or simply someone who enjoys exploring the beauty of the world, this book will inspire and challenge you in equal measure.

In conclusion, Aesthetic Life and Why It Matters is a must-read for anyone interested in living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. By engaging with the world through our senses, we can cultivate our individuality, satisfy our hunger for knowledge, and connect with others on a deeper level. This book offers three new perspectives on Socrates' great question, and it is a testament to the power of aesthetics to shape our lives and the world around us.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197748510