Aesthetics after Darwin: The Multiple Origins and Functions of the Arts

Darwin's hypothesis that sexual competition and courtship drove art production in animals and humans is informed by classical rhetoric and philosophical aesthetics, and the three most discussed hypothetical functions of the human arts are not mutually exclusive. The book advocates a new hypothesis on the multiple origins of the human arts, suggesting they arose as new variants of human behavior when three ancient and independent adaptions joined forces with symbolic cognition and language.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Academic Studies Press

Darwin's groundbreaking theory suggests that sexual competition and courtship have played a significant role in the production of art across both animal and human societies. This intriguing proposition is explored in depth in the present book, which reveals that Darwin's hypothesis is not a direct rejection of the humanist tradition but rather draws upon classical rhetoric and English and German philosophical aesthetics. This fusion of ideas results in a theory that is far more complex and rich, offering valuable insights into the world of poetry and song.

The book further delves into the three most commonly discussed functions of the human arts: competition for attention and acceptance, social cooperation, and self-enhancement. It demonstrates that these functions are not mutually exclusive but can be viewed as different aspects of the same creative processes. By examining the current state of archeological findings, the book advocates a new hypothesis on the origins of the human arts. It posits that these arts emerged as new variants of human behavior when three ancient adaptations, namely sensory and sexual selection-driven biases regarding visual and auditory beauty, play behavior, and technology, combined forces with and were transformed by the human capacities for symbolic cognition and language.

This innovative perspective provides a fresh understanding of the evolution of the human arts and sheds light on the complex interplay between biology, culture, and creativity. It challenges traditional views of art as solely a product of human imagination and suggests that it is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Overall, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of Darwin's hypothesis and its implications for our understanding of art and human behavior.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644696101