Sublime in Modern Philosophy: Aesthetics, Ethics, and Nature

In The Sublime in Modern Philosophy: Aesthetics, Ethics, and Nature, Emily Brady explores the enduring significance of the sublime in contemporary philosophy, highlighting its role in revealing an aesthetic-moral relationship with the natural world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 239 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In her groundbreaking work, "The Sublime in Modern Philosophy: Aesthetics, Ethics, and Nature," Emily Brady delves into the enduring significance of the sublime, exploring its multifaceted nature and its relevance in contemporary philosophy. The book offers a fresh perspective on this concept, challenging traditional approaches and revealing its profound implications for understanding the world.

The first part of the book takes a comprehensive look at the historical development of the sublime, tracing its roots from eighteenth-century philosophy, through nineteenth-century philosophy and Romanticism, and into the realm of early wilderness aesthetics. Through this historical exploration, Brady identifies the scope and value of the sublime in different philosophical contexts and eras.

In the second part of the book, Brady examines the contemporary relevance of the sublime. She explores its relationship to the arts, examining how artists have captured and interpreted the sublime in their works. Brady also examines the sublime's position with respect to other aesthetic categories involving mixed or negative emotions, such as tragedy. She further explores the sublime's place in environmental aesthetics and ethics, arguing that the sublime can provide a valuable lens for understanding our relationship with the natural world.

One of the key arguments put forth by Brady is that the sublime is not an outmoded concept but rather a distinctive aesthetic category that reveals an important aesthetic-moral relationship with the natural world. She argues that the sublime can evoke a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence for the natural world, which can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our place in it. At the same time, the sublime can also challenge our assumptions and values, prompting us to reevaluate our relationship with the environment and other living beings.

Through her meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Brady provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the sublime. "The Sublime in Modern Philosophy: Aesthetics, Ethics, and Nature" is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, aesthetics, and the natural world. It offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the nature of beauty, the role of emotions in our understanding of the world, and the ethical implications of our interactions with the environment.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780521122917