The myth of psychical distance in aesthetic experience
The object of the present thesis is: 1. to question the modem and prevalent view that some kind of âpsychical attitudeâ is necessary to the emergence and success of an aesthetic experience. Edward BULLOUGHâs theory of âpsychical distanceâ has been chosen and thoroughly analyzed as a significant example of the above view. 2. to offer an alternative to the above theory, which is based on a teleological/cosmological argument, and which makes an aesthetic experience dependent on a metaphysical âintuitionâ of our âattunementâ to, and âsymbiosisâ with, the world. In support of my research, I examine and discuss: i. the aesthetic experience of âbeautifulâ nature, âbeautifulâ craftsmanship, and art, and I suggest some distinctions between them which have an important bearing on my rejection of âpsychical distanceâ as a viable aesthetic process. ii. how the unique nature and role of âgeniusâ in art provides us, not only with arguments supporting the views expressed in my theory, but with more reasons to believe that art is in a league apart in aesthetics, and could perhaps benefit further from its study through a philosophy of mind. iii. âexpressionâ and âcommunicationâ
Bazin, Jacqueline H. M.
BH Aesthetics
The myth of psychical distance in aesthetic experience. The object of the present thesis is: 1. to question the modem and prevalent view that some kind of âpsychical attitudeâ is necessary to the emergence and success of an aesthetic experience. Edward BULLOUGHâs theory of âpsychical distanceâ has been chosen and thoroughly analyzed as a significant example of the above view. 2. to offer an alternative to the above theory, which is based on a teleological/cosmological argument, and which makes an aesthetic experience dependent on a metaphysical âintuitionâ of our âattunementâ to, and âsymbiosisâ with, the world. In support of my research, I examine and discuss: i. the aesthetic experience of âbeautifulâ nature, âbeautifulâ craftsmanship, and art, and I suggest some distinctions between them which have an important bearing on my rejection of âpsychical distanceâ as a viable aesthetic process. ii. how the unique nature and role of âgeniusâ in art provides us, not only with arguments supporting the views expressed in my theory, but with more reasons to believe that art is in a league apart in aesthetics, and could perhaps benefit further from its study through a philosophy of mind. iii. âexpressionâ and âcommunicationâ
myth psychical distance aesthetic_experience object present question modem prevalent view kind psychical attitude necessary emergence success aesthetic_experience edward theory psychical distance choose thoroughly analyze significant example view offer_alternative theory base teleological cosmological argument_make aesthetic_experience dependent metaphysical intuition world support examine discus aesthetic_experience beautiful nature beautiful art suggest distinction important bearing rejection psychical distance viable aesthetic process unique nature role genius art provide argument_support view express theory reason_believe art league apart aesthetic could perhaps benefit study philosophy_mind iii expression communication