Aesthetics as Philosophy

Abstract

Today we are witnessing an enormous reconfiguration of the humanities, which is an essential feature of the present postmodern global condition. Within such a framework new conceptual tools and frameworks have to be established to theoretically grasp the extant social reality and human knowledge. Aesthetics is a paramount example of a modern/ist discipline currently searching for its objects and methods, while reconfiguring its relation to philosophy, which is undergoing similar, albeit perhaps less visible changes as well. The author argues that the prime reasons for this situation are (a) the aforementioned reconfiguration of the humanities, (b) the postmodern reconfiguration of the relationship between art and culture/nature, and (c) the increased globalization and phenomena emerging therefrom, an event perhaps more visible in marginal cultures and situations. It is the author's opinion that the present dynamic and changing situation offers an invaluable opportunity for aesthetics to establish itself as an important realm of essentially philosophical reflection not only upon art, but also culture. We should therefore treat the present aesthetics as an almost empty signifier waiting to be invested with new significations.