Monday, February 2, 2009

Book Review: The Art Instinct


I have been a fan of the website Arts & Letter Daily for almost 9 years—I can't start the day without a look at it. A&LD is run by Denis Dutton, a professor of the philosophy of art, and he has recently published the book The Art Instinct. 
And this weekend the New York Times published a review:
[Dutton's] considered view (though he sometimes strays into more ambitious explorations) is that Darwinian aesthetics sheds light on literature, music and painting not by demonstrating them to be evolutionary adaptations, but by showing how their existence and character are connected to prehistoric preferences, interests and capacities.

I'm so intrigued! Yet another book to add to my wish list....

And don't forget to check out Arts & Letters Daily.

4 comments:

  1. Thanks. Hope you enjoy the book as much as the site. There is more here:
    http://theartinstinct.com

    Best wishes,

    Denis

    ReplyDelete
  2. "The Art Instinct" delves into the evolutionary origins of human creativity, offering a compelling exploration of the innate drive to create art. Drawing on scientific research and cultural anthropology, Denis Dutton presents a thought-provoking argument that artistic expression is a universal human trait shaped by evolutionary forces. Through engaging prose and insightful analysis, Dutton challenges conventional notions of art and provides a fascinating perspective on its significance in human society. Whether you're a scholar, artist, or enthusiast, this book offers profound insights into the nature of creativity and its enduring role in shaping human culture.
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  3. "The Art Instinct" by Denis Dutton explores the evolutionary origins of art, suggesting that our appreciation for beauty and creativity is hardwired into human nature. Combining aesthetics with evolutionary psychology, Dutton argues that artistic preferences are universal and stem from natural selection. This insightful book offers a compelling perspective on why art matters to humanity across all cultures.
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  4. The Art Instinct by Denis Dutton combines evolutionary psychology and aesthetics to explore why humans create and appreciate art. Dutton argues that art appreciation is rooted in evolutionary traits, making it an instinctual aspect of human nature. This book offers a thought-provoking perspective on art, blending science and philosophy to examine the universality of artistic expression.Reckless Driving Lawyer Clarke VAA lawyer, an advocate of justice, navigates the complex legal landscape with expertise and diligence.

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