The structure of aesthetic properties
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Philosophy Compass
Publication Date
9-2008
Volume
3
Issue
5
First Page
894
Last Page
909
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.
Abstract
Aesthetic properties are often thought to have either no evaluative component or an evaluative component that can be isolated from their descriptive component. The present article argues that this popular view is without adequate support. First, doubt is cast on the idea that some paradigmatic aesthetic properties are purely descriptive. Second, the idea that the evaluative component of an aesthetic property can always be neatly separated from its descriptive component is called into question. Meanwhile, a speculative hypothesis is launched regarding the structure of being garish and being cacophonous. Finally, an explanation is given of how the issue of the structure of aesthetic properties bears on their reality and (presumed) response-dependence.
DOI
10.1111/j.1747-9991.2008.00165.x
E-ISSN
17479991
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2008 The Author. Journal Compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
De Clercq, R. (2008). The structure of aesthetic properties. Philosophy Compass, 3(5), 894-909. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2008.00165.x