An Introduction to Contemporary Aesthetics

An Introduction to Contemporary Aesthetics: Art, Community, and Experience gives students and other readers a comprehensive sense of the dynamic issues and problems in aesthetics and philosophy of art today. Each of the 14 chapters is written by a different expert in the field, and together they cover a wide range of methodological approaches and perspectives, including those from analytic and Continental philosophy, non-Eurocentric global traditions, and critical stances taken up by feminist philosophers and philosophers of race. In addition, the volume makes use of recent empirical work on art and beauty as well as examples of artistic expressions from cultures from around the world.

In contrast to other coursebooks, which are often structured entirely around artforms, this volume frames much of its contents around core aesthetic concepts―like good or bad taste, interpretation, or authenticity―with each chapter devoted to a different concept. Within each chapter, the reader will find a range of engaging artforms and experiences. The contents of the volume are laid out in four parts: the first focuses on foundational questions in aesthetics and the second on key aesthetic concepts. The third part focuses on applied questions relating to particular artforms and genres (e.g., horror, comedy, AI art, games). Finally, the last part of the volume takes a wider, but still practical, view, focusing on why aesthetic life matters to us, both as a society and as individuals.

Key Features

• Written in a non-technical style for readers new to aesthetics and with little or no background in philosophy or the study of the arts
• Draws on examples readers encounter in everyday life and popular culture, from Drake to Philly cheesesteaks
• Deals with questions that concern many college students today: Does authenticity even matter and, if so, why? What’s wrong with enjoying the work of an immoral artist? How are our homes and schools important places of aesthetic meaning?
• Each chapter is written as a biased survey, with clear coverage of the historical and contemporary literature on the topic but also from a distinct, subjective point of view
• Non-Eurocentric philosophies or examples are included throughout the book, highlighting the rich and diverse philosophical work from around the globe
• Discussion Questions offer student readers opportunities to engage more fully with the problems raised in the text
• Suggestions for Further Reading at the end of each chapter identify the most promising avenues for further research on the topic

Emmie Malone is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at San Jose State University, USA. She is the author of an open educational history of philosophy coursebook, Inventing Knowledge: A Global & Historical Introduction to Philosophy (2025).

Elizabeth Scarbrough is Associate Teaching Professor at Florida International University, USA. Scarbrough currently serves as a trustee of the American Society for Aesthetics and as the co-chair of their Feminist Caucus Committee.