Philosophy and Aesthetics

James Manns presents a readable and entertaining examination of the most serious questions posed by the arts and our relation to them. In a clear and engaging fashion he explores the central issues in aesthetics: aesthetic judgment the nature and role of criticism the elusiveness of the concept of art and communication through art and he critically (but sympathetically) considers that principal theories of art that focus on expression form and representation. Through the use of extensive entertaining and current examples (including film) Manns conveys the solid basics relating to the history and development of aesthetic theories tries out these various theories against the art of the last half century then outlines his own view revolving around the artist's intention and the act of communication.