Darwin And Theories Of Aesthetics And Cultural History

This is a book of essays that explore the intersections of Darwin's work with aesthetics and cultural history. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which covers the influence of eighteenth century aesthetic theory on Darwin and nineteenth century debates circulating around beauty. The second part of the book covers the study of evolutionary models in contemporary art.

Darwin and Theories of Aesthetics and Cultural History is a significant contribution to the fields of theory, Darwin studies, and cultural history. This collection of eight essays is the first volume to address, from the point of view of art and literary historians, Darwin's intersections with aesthetic theories and cultural histories from the eighteenth century to the present day. Among the philosophers of art influenced by Darwinian evolution and considered in this collection are Alois Riegl, Ruskin, and Aby Warburg. This stimulating collection ranges in content from essays on the influence of eighteenth-century aesthetic theory on Darwin and nineteenth-century debates circulating around beauty to the study of evolutionary models in contemporary art.