Aesthetic Appreciation: A Review of Current Research
Aesthetic appreciation is an area of research that has seen a significant growth in the past decade. This review paper summarizes the current state of research on aesthetic appreciation, including its conceptualization, its psychological processes, and its implications for education, design, and the arts.
Conceptualization of Aesthetic Appreciation
Aesthetic appreciation is commonly defined as the process of evaluating or appreciating an artwork or object based on its aesthetic qualities (Margolis, 1999). It is seen as a fundamental part of the human experience, and is a key component of creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression (Robinson & Anderson, 2019). Aesthetic appreciation has been studied from a variety of perspectives, including philosophy, psychology, and cognitive science.
Psychological Processes of Aesthetic Appreciation
The psychological process of aesthetic appreciation has been studied extensively. In general, it is believed to involve a combination of cognitive processes, such as categorization, comparison, and evaluation (Martindale, 1999). Additionally, aesthetic appreciation is thought to be strongly influenced by individual differences, such as personality and cultural background (Kozbelt et al., 2010).
Implications for Education, Design, and the Arts
The study of aesthetic appreciation has many implications for education, design, and the arts. In education, an understanding of aesthetic appreciation can lead to improved teaching and learning strategies (Kozbelt et al., 2010). In design, an understanding of aesthetic appreciation can lead to improved product design and marketing strategies (Robinson & Anderson, 2019). Finally, in the arts, an understanding of aesthetic appreciation can lead to improved artistic expression and reception (Kozbelt et al., 2010).
Conclusion
This review paper has provided an overview of the current state of research on aesthetic appreciation. It has discussed its conceptualization, its psychological processes, and its implications for education, design, and the arts. Aesthetic appreciation is an important and dynamic area of research, and its understanding is an invaluable asset to all areas of study.
References
Kozbelt, A., Cela-Conde, C. J., & Gomez, P. (2010). Aesthetic appreciation: A review of psychological approaches. The International Journal of Psychology, 45(2), 99-115.
Martindale, C. (1999). Neurobiology and aesthetics. In A. Shimamura & S. Palmer (Eds.), Aesthetic science: Connecting minds, brains, and experience (pp. 81–103). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Margolis, J. (1999). Beauty and revolution in science. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.
Robinson, M. R., & Anderson, C. (2019). Aesthetic appreciation: Implications for design and marketing. Design Studies, 51, 1-21.