What are some good books that introduce aesthetics?
I'm an aspiring composer and painter, and I think it's really interesting how artists and philosophers have worked towards understanding art. My first question is whether or not aesthetics is approachable for someone who is not steeped in philosophical writ. My second question is whether anyone can recommend a solid introduction to aesthetics.
I would begin with the Oxford Handbook of Aesthetics published in 2005. Read through some of the introductory material and then focus on articles that peek your iinterest.If you happen to run into a particularly abstruse bit of "philosophical writ" head on over to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy online and and input the troublesome notion/concept in the search box. If you're motivated and you have a tolerance for some of the initial frustration that comes from trying to find your way in a new universe of ideas you should be just fine. DO NOT begin with Kant's Critique of Judgement. This is a trap far too many artists interested in aesthetics fall into. Hope this helps.
