This semester, we will consider the concept of the "extensive clarity (claritas extensiva)", the key concept of the aesthetics of Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten (1714-62), also in consideration of its background and acceptance. The purpose of this course is to present (one of the) states of aesthetic studies through the reconstruction of the history of aesthetics.
SUGIYAMA TAKASHI (Graduate School of Letters Associate Professor) He elaborated on the theories of precursors like Leibniz and Wolff, laying the ground for what will be later in the eighteenth century developed by. But, although he used the principle of continuity developed by Leibniz's intellectualism, Baumgarten succeeded (without necessarily aiming to) to free the "aesthetics" from rational intellectualism and creating the premises for the development of a new branch of philosophy (idem). Owever, Makkreel emphasizes that Baumgarten's study of the object of beauty was focused on "the cognitive condition" for its appreciation (idem).īaumgarten used Leibniz' theory that asserts that sensations can produce "clear and distinct notions" (Wessell Jr., 1972) to define the new science of Aesthetics (Ogden, 1933). "In the Prolegomena of his Aesthetica (1750 - 1758), he foresees it as also relevant to all the liberal arts and the practical activities of daily life" (idem). Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten is credited for having established an autonomous branch of philosophy named "aesthetics" (Wessell, 1972).īaumgarten defined the discipline of aesthetics as the "science of sensible knowledge", taking the object of beauty beyond the limitation of art (Makkreel, 1996).
The philosophic thinkers of the seventeenth century in Germany were the first to analyze the phenomenon of beauty. However, the contemporary use of the term "aesthetics" is originating in the Critique of Judgment, by Kant, written in 1790 (idem). Alexander Baumgarten was the first who used the word "aesthetics" in 1735 to designate the concept of beauty as being gathered through sensation and result in perfection (Martin, 2004).
The theory of aesthetics started controversies over its legitimate existence as a fully developed science. "Aesthetics is the name of the philosophical study of art and natural beauty" (Miller, 2004).
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