Ancient Aesthetics

“Ancient Aesthetics” by Andrew S. Mason, published by Routledge in 2016, explores the significant contributions of ancient philosophers, particularly Plato and Aristotle, to the field of aesthetics. This edition spans 154 pages and is presented in English. The book delves into the theories of these key thinkers regarding the arts, including poetry, music, and visual art, as well as broader concepts of beauty, highlighting their ongoing influence and relevance in contemporary discussions.
Readers will find a thorough examination of ancient thought, with a particular emphasis on the extensive writings of Plato and Aristotle. The text also addresses Hellenistic aesthetics and Plotinus’ influential theory of beauty, offering insights into how these ideas shaped later philosophical discourse. This work serves as a resource for students of philosophy and classics, providing a comprehensive overview of the historical context and evolution of aesthetic theory.
Official synopsis Publisher
Ancient thought, particularly that of Plato and Aristotle, has played an important role in the development of the field of aesthetics, and the ideas of ancient thinkers are still influential and controversial today. Ancient Aesthetics introduces and discusses the central contributions of key ancient philosophers to this field, carefully considering their theories regarding the arts, especially poetry, but also music and visual art, as well as the theory of beauty more generally.
With a focus on Plato and Aristotle, the philosophers who have given us their thought about the arts at the greatest length, this volume also discusses Hellenistic aesthetics and Plotinus’ theory of beauty, which was to prove very influential in later thought. Ancient Aesthetics is a valuable contribution to its field, and will be of interest to students of philosophy and classics.
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