Objects of Authority: A Postformalist Aesthetics

This book challenges the idea that remote observers lack aesthetic insight and proposes that an aesthetic theory should be developed to accommodate an aesthetic analysis independent of the model of competent aesthetic judgment or appreciation. It brings together methods and concepts from different disciplines and will appeal to scholars and advanced students working on philosophical, art-historical, and anthropological theories of visual art and material culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The celebrated elegance of Cycladic marble figurines is a subject of intriguing debate. Scholars have long wondered whether the Early Bronze Age producers of these exquisite sculptures intended for them to exude such aesthetic charm. Can one truly appreciate an Assyrian regal statue, described by a cuneiform inscription as beautiful? What insights can we gain from the apparent aesthetic richness of the traditional cultures of Melanesia, despite their lack of a recognizable aesthetic discourse? These are challenging questions that have been formulated and discussed by scholars of remote cultures, often against a backdrop of skepticism about the possibility of escaping the conditioning of one's own aesthetic culture and fully embracing the norms of a distant one.

This book takes a radical approach by treating the lack of aesthetic insight among remote observers not as a hindrance to aesthetic analysis, but as a condition that necessitates an aesthetic theory that can accommodate an analysis independent of the model of competent aesthetic judgment or appreciation.

Objects of Authority represents a remarkable effort to bring together methods and concepts that are often addressed by separate disciplines. It will appeal to scholars and advanced students engaged in philosophical, art-historical, and anthropological theories of visual art and material culture.

In the opening chapter, the book explores the concept of "objects of authority" and its significance in shaping aesthetic experiences. It argues that objects, whether physical or symbolic, can exert authority over our perception and interpretation of the world. The chapter examines various examples of objects that have been imbued with cultural and symbolic meaning, such as religious artifacts, works of art, and everyday objects.

Chapter 2 delves into the issue of aesthetic distance and its impact on our ability to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of objects from different cultures. The chapter discusses the challenges of cultural relativism, which posits that there is no universal standard of beauty or aesthetic value. Instead, it argues that aesthetic judgments are shaped by our own cultural experiences and biases. The book proposes that we can overcome these challenges by developing a more nuanced understanding of aesthetic distance and by engaging in cross-cultural dialogue and exchange.

Chapter 3 examines the role of aesthetic judgment in shaping our understanding of the world. The chapter explores the ways in which our aesthetic experiences can influence our beliefs, values, and attitudes toward others. It also discusses the ethical implications of aesthetic judgment, particularly in the context of cultural appropriation and the exploitation of artistic traditions.

Chapter 4 explores the relationship between aesthetics and power. The chapter argues that aesthetics can be used as a tool of power and control, as well as a means of resistance and subversion. It examines various examples of artistic movements and practices that have been used to challenge dominant ideologies and power structures, such as the avant-garde movements of the 20th century and the political art of the 21st century.

Chapter 5 examines the role of material culture in shaping aesthetic experiences. The chapter explores the ways in which the physical properties of objects, such as their shape, texture, and color, can influence our perception and interpretation of them. It also discusses the ways in which material culture can be used to express and communicate cultural values and beliefs.

Chapter 6 examines the role of aesthetics in shaping our understanding of the natural world. The chapter explores the ways in which our aesthetic experiences can influence our perception and interpretation of the natural environment, including the ways in which we perceive the beauty and complexity of nature.

In conclusion, Objects of Authority offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the role of aesthetics in shaping our understanding of the world. The book challenges traditional notions of aesthetic judgment and offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which aesthetics can be used to promote understanding, empathy, and cultural exchange. It will appeal to scholars and advanced students working in a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, art history, anthropology, and cultural studies.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032072098