Research On Monroe Beardsley's Theory Of Aesthetic Experience

Aesthetic experience is a kind of mental state or psychological feeling,which closely links with aesthetic activities such as art.This experience has been identified as one of the core aesthetic concepts since the birth of modern aesthetics,being frequently discussed in aesthetics and the philosophy of art.During the twentieth century,phenomenological aesthetics and pragmatist aesthetics have promoted the concept of aesthetic experience.Their efforts greatly improve the meaning and function of this experience,strengthening its theoretical value.In contrast,analytic aesthetics mostly think aesthetic experience is too vague and arbitrary to solve the problems of artistic definition and criticism.As a result,most of them have opted to shelve even replace it.Moreover,they regard this experience as a phantom of modern aesthetics that needs to be broken.Although locates in the atmosphere of refuting aesthetic experience,Beardsley could be seen as its firm supporter.Beardsley devotes the entire academic career to regain aesthetic experience.In his book Aesthetics: Problems in the Philosophy of Criticism,Beardsley commits to defining the meaning and function of aesthetic experience for the first time.Furthermore,in a series of papers such as The Definition of the Arts,Aesthetic Experience Regained and In Defense of Aesthetic Value,Beardsley points out what makes the aesthetic experience different from the non-aesthetic experience is the intrinsic characteristic,whcih are intensity,unity and complexity.Consequently,he clarifies the relationship between aesthetic experience and other aesthetic concepts(e.g.aesthetic objects and aesthetic value).In addition,Beardsley also defines and criticizes art by the means of aesthetic experience,deepening the conjunction of aesthetics and art.Nevertheless,Beardsley's defence of aesthetic experience is also strongly criticized by other aestheticians represented by George Dickie and Nelson Goodman.During the process of responding to and reflecting on these challenges,Beardsley puts forward five criteria of the aesthetic characters of experience in the final work Aesthetic Experience,which are object directedness,felt freedom,detached affect,active discovery and wholeness.As a result,he has completed his defence of this experience successfully.Moreover,it also inspires followers(e.g.Richard Shusterman)continue to revive the aesthetic experience.This research is based on the multiple dimensions of synchronic dialogue and diachronic advancement,vertical interpretation and horizontal comparison.It focuses on the internal developmental logic and external operating mechanism of Beardsley's theory.In other words,this research carefully investigates the connotation and extension of aesthetic experience.In addition,it also analyzes the interaction between Beardsley and other aestheticians on the special experience.Therefore,an objective and comprehensive understanding and evaluation of Beardsley's theory of aesthetic experience could be gained.