Aesthetics: A Beginner's Guide - Charles Taliaferro [epub]

What is art? Why do we find some things beautiful but not others? Is it wrong to share mp3s? These are just some of the questions explored by aesthetics, the philosophy of art. In this sweeping introduction, Charles Taliaferro skilfully guides us through notions of art and beauty around the world, tackling lively debates such as who owns art and how art and morality collide. From Plato on poetry to Ringo Starr on the drums, this is a perfect introductory text for anyone interested in the intriguing questions art can raise. Charles Taliaferro is Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College, Minnesota. He is the author of over twenty books on philosophy and lectures on Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Religion.

**

Review

"Accessible and assured. This brief account of a vast subject is entirely successful." --Daniel N. Robinson, Professor of Philosophy, University of Oxford, UK

"Beginners who read this excellent introduction will encounter a wide range of sources, dealing with the major questions in aesthetics and illustrated by many and varied artistic examples." --Gary Iseminger, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Carleton College,

"The best book on aesthetics of its kind. Engaging, comprehensive in scope, and rich with examples." --David Vessey, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Grand Valley State University, USA

"Reading Aesthetics: A Beginner's Guide feels like an invitation into a beautiful and intriguing palace... Taliaferro compels us to think more about certain puzzles in aesthetics and also teaches us how to see works of art in new ways." --Paul Reasoner, Bethel University

"This is simply the best introduction to aesthetics I know of... A delicious book." --David O'Hara, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Classics, Augustana College

About the Author

Charles Taliaferro is Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College, Minnesota. He is the author of over twenty books on philosophy and lectures on aesthetics and the philosophy of religion.