Aesthetics and Nature

Description

Aesthetics and Nature offers a clear and accessible introduction to the field of nature aesthetics. Glenn Parsons explores the current debates in the field, providing the reader with a thorough overview of the subject. The book situates nature aesthetics in relation to two principal influences: aesthetics' traditional project of understanding the value of art and current thought on the ethics of our relationship with nature. The book outlines five major approaches to understanding the aesthetic value of nature and explores the aesthetic appreciation of nature as it occurs in wilderness, in gardens, and in the context of appreciating environmental art. The book also includes a study of the idea that conserving nature's beauty provides a compelling reason to preserve wilderness. This highly topical idea has deep implications for the importance of aesthetic value in our relationship to nature, and for the fate of nature itself. Combining a clear and engaging style with a sophisticated treatment of a fascinating subject, Aesthetics and Nature is a valuable contribution to contemporary aesthetics.

Glenn Parsons is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Ryerson University, Canada.

'In Aesthetics and Nature, Parsons establishes a definitive account of theories and issues raised in contemporary nature aesthetics. Its coverage is comprehensive, writing extremely clear, analysis meticulous, and discussion thought-provoking. This book is required reading for an introduction to this subject matter, as well as for stimulating further advancement of this field.' Yuriko Saito, Professor of Philosophy, Rhode Island School of Design, USA 'This impressive and comprehensive examination of recent views on the aesthetics of nature leads the reader immediately into the heart of recent philosophical debates. Parsons provides challenging discussions of a wide range of positions.' Donald W. Crawford, Professor Emeritus, Department of Philosophy, University of California, USA Mention -Book News, February 2009