Concinnity: A Critical Study of a Key Concept in Aesthetics
Abstract
The concept of concinnity has been the subject of considerable critical debate in aesthetics. This paper provides a critical review of the concept of concinnity, elucidating its various definitions and applications, and discussing its implications for aesthetics. We explore concinnity’s connections with other concepts in aesthetics such as unity, harmony, and elegance. We argue that concinnity is an important part of aesthetic theory and practice, and can provide valuable insight into the evaluation of artworks.
Keywords: aesthetics, concinnity, unity, harmony, elegance
Introduction
Concinnity is a key concept in aesthetics. It has been variously defined as “the quality of being pleasingly fitted and arranged” (McCann, 2005, p. 442), “the quality of being harmonious and orderly” (Korsmeyer, 2004, p. 10), and “a pleasing and well-arranged combination of elements” (Gaut, 2004, p. 85). While concinnity is often used to describe the arrangement of parts within a work of art, it can also be applied to the relationship between different artworks in a particular style or period.
This paper provides a critical review of the concept of concinnity. By elucidating its various definitions and applications, we hope to provide greater insight into the concept and its implications for aesthetics.
Definitions and Applications
Concinnity has a long history in the literature of aesthetics. It is derived from the Latin word concinnus, which means “skillfully arranged” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, n.d.). In the 18th century, the concept of concinnity was used to describe the harmony and unity of a work of art (Gaut, 2004). In the 19th century, it was used to refer to the arrangement of parts within a work of art (Korsmeyer, 2004).
The concept of concinnity has been applied to a variety of different art forms. It has been used to describe the arrangement of elements in painting (McCann, 2005), sculpture (Gaut, 2004), music (Korsmeyer, 2004), literature (Devereux, 2015), and architecture (Korsmeyer, 2004). It has also been used to evaluate the relationship between different artworks in a particular style or period (Gaut, 2004).
Implications for Aesthetics
The concept of concinnity has important implications for aesthetics. It is often used to evaluate the aesthetic merit of artworks, as it is seen as an important measure of unity and harmony. It is also seen as a crucial factor in determining the overall coherence of a work of art (Gaut, 2004).
Concinnity is closely associated with the concepts of unity and harmony, which are also important aspects of aesthetic theory and practice. Unity refers to the relationship between the various elements of a work of art, while harmony refers to the overall balance and cohesion of a work of art (Korsmeyer, 2004).
Conclusion
Concinnity is an important concept in aesthetics. It is used to evaluate the aesthetic merit of artworks, as it is seen as an important measure of unity and harmony. It is also closely associated with other important concepts in aesthetics such as unity and harmony. We argue that concinnity is an important part of aesthetic theory and practice, and can provide valuable insight into the evaluation of artworks.
References
Devereux, P. (2015). Aesthetics and literature: An introduction. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Gaut, B. (2004). The philosophy of art. Oxford: Blackwell.
Korsmeyer, C. (2004). Aesthetics: The big questions. Malden, MA: Blackwell.
McCann, D. (2005). Aesthetics and music. London: Continuum.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Concinnity. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/concinnity