The Concept of “Isolation” in Contemporary Aesthetic Theory

Abstract

A consideration of the concept of “isolation” in contemporary aesthetic theory will enable me to suggest a position which denies that the aesthetic has to do only with what is immediately presented. The point will be made by arguing that a work of art exhibits aspects or elements which are tied to a historical period and that in some cases a work of art cannot be viewed aesthetically until these elements are considered or evaluated. An analysis of three uses of isolation in contemporary aesthetic theory will enable me to show the relevance of the historical components of a work of art to the aesthetic response.KeywordsAesthetic ExperienceMusical PerformanceMusical WorkAesthetic AppreciationAesthetic TheoryThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.