The Aesthetic Brain

How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences
Cover of the book The Aesthetic Brain by Anjan Chatterjee, MD, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Anjan Chatterjee, MD ISBN: 9780199316403
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: October 1, 2013
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Anjan Chatterjee, MD
ISBN: 9780199316403
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: October 1, 2013
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

The Aesthetic Brain takes the reader on a wide-ranging journey through the world of beauty, pleasure, and art. Chatterjee uses neuroscience to probe how an aesthetic sense is etched in our minds and evolutionary psychology to explain why aesthetic concerns feature centrally in our lives. Along the way, Chatterjee addresses fundamental questions: What is beauty? Is beauty universal? How is beauty related to pleasure? What is art? Should art be beautiful? Do we have an instinct for art? Chatterjee starts by probing the reasons that we find people, places, and even numbers beautiful. At the root of beauty, he finds, is pleasure. He then examines our pleasures by dissecting why we want and why we like food, sex, and money and how these rewards relate to aesthetic encounters. His ruminations on beauty and pleasure prepare him and the reader to face art. He wanders through the problems of defining art, understanding contemporary art, and interpreting ancient art. He explores why art, something that seems so useless, also feels fundamental to our humanity. Replete with facts, anecdotes, and analogies, this empirical guide to aesthetics offers scientific answers without deflating the wonders of beauty and art.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Aesthetic Brain takes the reader on a wide-ranging journey through the world of beauty, pleasure, and art. Chatterjee uses neuroscience to probe how an aesthetic sense is etched in our minds and evolutionary psychology to explain why aesthetic concerns feature centrally in our lives. Along the way, Chatterjee addresses fundamental questions: What is beauty? Is beauty universal? How is beauty related to pleasure? What is art? Should art be beautiful? Do we have an instinct for art? Chatterjee starts by probing the reasons that we find people, places, and even numbers beautiful. At the root of beauty, he finds, is pleasure. He then examines our pleasures by dissecting why we want and why we like food, sex, and money and how these rewards relate to aesthetic encounters. His ruminations on beauty and pleasure prepare him and the reader to face art. He wanders through the problems of defining art, understanding contemporary art, and interpreting ancient art. He explores why art, something that seems so useless, also feels fundamental to our humanity. Replete with facts, anecdotes, and analogies, this empirical guide to aesthetics offers scientific answers without deflating the wonders of beauty and art.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Criminal Process by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Social Injustice and Public Health by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Supreme Democracy by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Information Graphics by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Ending Life by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Magika Hiera by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book The Recording, Mixing, and Mastering Reference Handbook by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Canadian Literature by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Selected Letters of Stephen Leacock by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book The Death of Treaty Supremacy by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Memory by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Literature and Culture: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Prometheus Shackled by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
Cover of the book Hi-de-ho:The Life of Cab Calloway by Anjan Chatterjee, MD
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy