Among the principal difficulties with aesthetic theory have been its failure to respond sufficiently to the arts themselves, and its subordination to the demands of prior philosophical commitments.  This volume develops the outlines of a theory that treats the problems of aesthetics freshly and without allegiance to outside doctrines or systems.  Its leading theme is that the roots of aesthetic theory must draw sustenance from the rich soil of aesthetic experience.  This theme rests on the belief that a genuinely empirical approach to aesthetics offers the greatest promise of adequately accounting for a subject-matter that is inherently experiential.  The author establishes the cognitive respectability of aesthetic by determining the nature and role of aesthetic theory, the data on which to base it, and the method by which to develop it. 

CONTENTS

Page Preface 

Acknowledgments

I. AESTHETIC THEORY  AS A COGNITIVE DISCIPLINE

Supposed Limits of Knowledge

The Task of Aesthetic Theory

Aesthetic Facts

The Method and Structure of Aesthetic Theory

II.  SURROGATE THEORIES OF ART

The Criticism of Aesthetic Theory

Imitation Theories

Emotionalist Theories

Expression Theories

Communication Theories

Formalist Theories

Contributions of the Surrogate Theories

Beyond Surrogate Theories

Toward a Theory of Aesthetic Experience

III.   THE AESTHETIC FIELD

The Concept of the Aesthetic Field

Aesthetic Elements and Their Functions

Factors Conditioning the Aesthetic Field

The Aesthetic Transaction

IV.  AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE

The Aesthetic Mode of Experience

Characteristics of Aesthetic Experience

Aesthetic Experience and Aesthetic Theory                                                 

 V. ART CRITICISM AND AESTHETIC VALUE

Conventional Functions of Criticism

The Critical Object

Perception and Criticism

The Role of Criticism

The Contribution of the Critic

Norms, Standards and Rules

A Critical Hypothesis

Aesthetic Value

The Function of Aesthetic Experience

Art and Value

VI. TOWARD AN EMPIRICAL AESTHETICS

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