Kant's Aesthetic

Book excerpt: This book presents an integrated interpretation and appraisal of Kant's mature aesthetic. The writer draws readers into the realization of what is important and enduring in the Critique of Aesthetic Judgment by taking up the issues Kant raises and relating them to contemporary themes in aesthetics. Those parts of Kant's theory that raise issues engaging contemporary discussion and debate, such as the role of pleasure, the tenability of the aesthetic attitude, the justification of claims to interpersonal agreement in aesthetic judgment in and the relation of beauty to excellence in art are given special emphasis and subjected to careful scrutiny.