Brings together fresh debates on eleven of the most controversial issues in aesthetics and the philosophy of art. Topics addressed include the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience, artistic value, and the nature of our emotional responses to art.

Contemporary Debates in Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art features 22 original essays by leading authors in aesthetics and the philosophy of art. A pair of contrasting essays addresses each of eleven distinct issues, including the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience, artistic value, and the nature of our emotional responses to art.

The contributions to this volume provide a thorough introduction to the major topics in contemporary aesthetics and the philosophy of art, in the distinctive format of philosophers engaging in head-to-head debate at a level accessible to the nonexpert.

Showcasing original arguments for well-defined positions, as well as clear and concise statements of sophisticated philosophical views, this volume is an excellent resource for professional philosophers and students alike.

Contemporary Debates in Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art features pairs of newly commissioned essays by some of the leading theorists working in the field today.

• Brings together fresh debates on eleven of the most controversial issues in aesthetics and the philosophy of art
• Topics addressed include the nature of beauty, aesthetic experience, artistic value, and the nature of our emotional responses to art.
• Each question is treated by a pair of opposing essays written by eminent scholars, and especially commissioned for the volume.
• Lively debate format sharply defines the issues, and paves the way for further discussion.
• Will serve as an accessible introduction to the major topics in aesthetics, while also capturing the imagination of professional philosophers