A Study Of Arnold Berleant's Aesthetic Engagement Theory

Arnold Berleant was known as a philosopher in his early academic life.By the 1990 s,he had turned his academic horizon to the field of environment,but the theory of aesthetic engagement had always permeated it.This thesis mainly analyzes the theory of aesthetic engagement in Arnold Bollint's new aesthetic thought.First of all,this thesis studies the philosophical origin of the theory of aesthetic engagement and the theoretical construction process,including the explanation of aesthetic field and its four core elements,which is the theoretical basis of the theory of aesthetic engagement.Then,this thesis discusses the theoretical connotation and main characteristics of the theory of aesthetic engagement formed on the basis of aesthetic field.And then,this paper discusses the aesthetic integration in artistic experience and environmental aesthetics,and explains a new aesthetic experience mode,namely the participatory model,which runs through the two major aesthetic fields.In the artistic experience,Berleant criticizes the theory of disinterested contemplation,because this theory separates the aesthetic perceiver from the aesthetic object.He advocates the monistic aesthetic and realizes the engagement of aesthetic elements in the aesthetic situation.In the field of environment,Berleant's view of environment includes natural environment and human-built environment,both of which can be aesthetic.He opposes the objectification of the environment,and believes that people should participate in the environment.Among them,Berleant focuses his main vision on the city,and represents the four different dimensions of urban aesthetics by elaborating on the four environments of sailing boats,circus,church and sunset.In these four environments,aesthetic engagement could occur.In addition,both artistic experience and environmental aesthetics can reflect the the participatory model.The participatory model breaks the binary opposition and emphasizes the integrity of man and artistic works as well as the integrity of man and environment.This aesthetic model can be applied to the appreciation of art,environment and daily life with great inclusiveness.Finally,this thesis not only discusses that the important role played by aesthetics of engagement on the road of aesthetic reconstruction,but also discusses its own value.The aesthetics of engagement not only expands the aesthetic boundary,but also plays a certain role in improving the worsening relationship between man and nature,and gives enlightenment in the design and planning of urban landscape.Arnold Berleant has done a combination of theory andThe theory of aesthetic engagement is an inclusive theory,which breaks the opposition between subject and object and advocates the world view of Monism,but as a new theory,it also has its shortcomings and limitations.For example,too subjective,lack of emotional participation in aesthetics,and so on.But in general,this idea not only brings a new idea to the study of Western aesthetics,but also provides useful inspiration for the development of Chinese aesthetics in the field of environment and ecology.