Glenn Parsons and Allen Carlson offer an in-depth philosophical study of the relationship between function and aesthetic value, breaking with the philosophical tradition of seeing the two as separate. They begin by developing and defending, in a general way, the concept of Functional Beauty, exploring how the role of function in aesthetic appreciation has been treated by some notable thinkers in the history of aesthetics. They then consider the relationship to Functional Beauty of certain views in current aesthetic thought, especially what we call 'cognitively rich' approaches to the aesthetic appreciation of both art and nature. Turning to work on the nature of function in the philosophy of science, they argue that this line of enquiry can help solve certain philosophical problems that have been raised for the idea that knowledge of function plays an important role in aesthetic appreciation. Although philosophical discussions of aesthetic appreciation tend to focus largely and sometimes almost exclusively on artworks, the range of aesthetic appreciation is, of course, much larger. Not simply art, but also nature, architecture, and even more mundane, everyday things--cars, tools, clothing, furniture, and sports--are objects of frequent and enthusiastic aesthetic appreciation. Accordingly, in the second half of the book, Glen Parsons and Allen Carlson consider the place and importance of Functional Beauty in the aesthetic appreciation of a broad range of different kinds of things. The final chapters explore Functional Beauty in nature and the natural environment, in architecture and the built environment, in everyday artefacts, events, and activities, and finally in art and the artworld. In each case, Parsons and Carlson argue that Functional Beauty illuminates our aesthetic experiences and helps to address various theoretical issues raised by these different objects of appreciation.

About the Author
Glenn Parsons is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Ryerson University, Toronto. Allen Carlson is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alberta.

Reviews
This book is a highly original contribution to a neglected topic in aesthetics. It also possesses additional virtues. The authors present an array of controversial theses in a way that makes them very accessible and very thought-provoking... a stimulating book... It is essential reading for anyone who wishes to think about this topic. * Robert Stecker, The Philosophical Quarterly *
Functional Beauty is a clear-headed, smart, vigorous defence of a new and very important theoretical position in philosophical aesthetics. It takes stock of the historical background underlying modern controversies over its topic. It argues forcefully for the application of theory to matters of aesthetic judgment in a wide variety of domains... This book is a landmark study of an important subject and the one that anyone interested in the way in which aesthetic judgments are made - whether in art, in nature, or in everyday life - should read. * Ronald Moore, Environmental Values *
Functional Beauty is eminently readable, and the authors display a convincing mastery of the scientific literature from which they borrow... P & C have done much to advance the debate about aesthetic appreciation in all realms. Their book is a must-read for serious philosophers of art. * Stephanie Ross, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *


Awards
Winner of Winner of the American Society for Aesthetics Prize 2009.



Book Information
ISBN 9780199205240
Author Glenn Parsons
Format Hardback
Page Count 270
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 461g
Dimensions(mm) 223mm * 145mm * 20mm