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Definitions Of Aesthetics And Aesthetics

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Defining Aesthetics Aesthetics. A term based on the greek term aisthētikos (sense of perception), with meanings being largely unchanged for centuries. The Merriam-Webster dictionary short definition of aesthetics is “of or relating to beauty.” This definition, while tidy and concise, does not leave a lot of room for interpretation, nor does it accurately represent the variety of ideas reflected in modern thoughts and methodologies regarding aesthetics. Some other definitions include: “of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful”; “artistic”; “pleasing in appearance”; and “appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful; also : responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses.” These definitions are still more broad, and open up the floor for discussion. I think that these definitions are a fine place to start, but they are outdated.
Historical Usage of “Aesthetics” Historically, the study of aesthetics has been reserved for affluent individuals; if a family was wealthy enough to not worry about immediate income, it might hire tutors to educate its children in art appreciation. A description of aesthetics in the middle ages is described in the preface of “History of Aesthetics,” written by Władysław Tatarkiewicz. “As in previous centuries, aesthetics was largely the preserve of philosophers, and still more, of men of letters and artists.” (Tatarkiewicz, p. xviii) This was dealt with through aesthetics; teaching

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