In Defence of Aestheticism

Abstract

This chapter draws together the various sources of aesthetic value presented in earlier chapters of the book and articulates how together they allow us to experience the entire world as aesthetically valuable. This chapter is intended as a consolidated defence of the core aestheticist position, and can be read relatively independently of the rest of the book. Comparisons are made to historical defences of Aestheticism from Saint Augustine and Nietzsche. Various criticisms of Aestheticism that have come up over the course of the book are addressed, including the ethical objection that we ought not to aesthetically appreciate certain things; the objection that some things are ugly; and the objection that aesthetic value is too subjective. In addition to the intrinsic benefits of Aestheticism, it is then noted that the pursuit of aesthetic value has practical benefits. Most of all, it motivates us to understand the world better. In this way, Aestheticism is an important stimulus to science and philosophy.