Umberto Eco’s History of Beauty

An important piece of preparing for my upcoming aesthetic’s course is [amazon_link id=”0847835308″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Umberto Eco’s History of Beauty. [/amazon_link] Eco claims to take a look at beauty historically with no preconceived notions. As far as that task goes, it’s a huge success, and I was personally introduced to a wide variety of artistic styles with… Continue reading Umberto Eco’s History of Beauty

Review: Susan Sontag On Photography

[amazon_link id=”0312420099″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link] Why On Photography Matters [amazon_link id=”0312420099″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Sontag’s On Photography[/amazon_link] is one of the most quoted academic works on the subject of photograph, and generally comes up any time you’re having a serious discussion about photography. I recently read it while developing an aesthetics class that is going to focus… Continue reading Review: Susan Sontag On Photography

What is Beauty? Plato, Beauty, and Knowledge

Plato’s theory of knowledge – his epistemology – can best be understood through thinking about beauty. We are born with all knowledge, he says, but when our soul became trapped in our body at birth, we forgot this knowledge. Learning, then, is similar to remembering. And here on earth, beauty is the easiest way for… Continue reading What is Beauty? Plato, Beauty, and Knowledge