Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Improvisation in the Arts

This Handbook provides an authoritative collection of articles on the philosophy of improvisation, covering art, aesthetics, ethics, and political perspectives. It explores improvisation as a core element of artistic creativity and its relevance in understanding the nature of art across various domains.

Format: Hardback
Length: 738 pages
Publication date: 23 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Over the past few decades, the notion of improvisation has brought about a significant enrichment and dynamization of research in various traditional philosophical domains, including music, theatre, dance, poetry, and even visual art. This comprehensive Handbook provides readers with an authoritative compilation of accessible articles on the philosophy of improvisation, synthesizing and elucidating diverse subjects and issues from the burgeoning body of journal articles and monographs in the field. Comprising 48 chapters, meticulously written by an international team of scholars specifically for this volume, the Handbook is designed to be accessible to students and researchers alike.

The volume is structured into four main sections:

I. Art and Improvisation: Theoretical Perspectives

II. Art and Improvisation: Aesthetical, Ethical, and Political Perspectives

III. Improvisation in Musical Practices

IV. Improvisation in the Visual, Narrative, Dramatic, and Interactive Arts

Key Features:

The Handbook treats improvisation not merely as a stylistic feature but also as an aesthetic property of artworks and performances, as well as a fundamental element of artistic creativity. It delves into multiple facets of the concept of improvisation, emphasizing its relevance in understanding the nature of art. The Handbook encompasses improvisation across a wide spectrum of artistic domains, including unexpected ones such as literature, visual arts, games, and cooking. It addresses key questions such as:

How can improvisation be defined and what is its role in different art forms?

Can improvisation be perceived as such, and how can it be aesthetically evaluated?

What is the relationship between improvisation and notions such as action, composition, expressivity, and authenticity?

What is the ethical and political significance of improvisation?

By exploring these and other critical inquiries, the Handbook offers valuable insights into the multifaceted world of improvisation, shedding light on its theoretical, aesthetic, ethical, and political dimensions. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, contributing to our understanding of the creative process and its profound impact on the arts.

Weight: 1542g
Dimension: 184 x 263 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367203641