The Aesthetic Question: Experience, Judgement, Value

What is the nature and meaning of the 'aesthetic'? This question animates Jane Forsey's provocative dive into the foundations of philosophical aesthetics. The result is a compelling new theory of aesthetic experience that draws upon attention, judgement and value as central to our responses to the world we encounter.

We liberally apply 'aesthetic' to a wealth of experiences from horror movies, fashion and perfume to food, fine art and gardening. But underlying our use is a long—standing comm...