A Cognitive Theory of Aesthetics

Gary Doran

Aesthetics

Major components: Aesthetic Experience

(and Behavior) Aesthetic Properties

(Visual Stimuli) This definition is

artificial, and purposely limited

Cognitive Science

Interdisciplinary Field Neurology Psychology Others…

Fit to study aspects of aesthetics related to the human mind

Learning to See?

A lot of complicated social/cultural and conscious processes are involved in aesthetics

Let’s ignore them for now Focus on “universal” properties of aesthetics

Simplifying Things

Simplifying Things

Simplifying Things

Simplifying Things

Perception

Grouping Process of turning

individual components of stimulus into a whole object

Important for recognizing animals, especially camouflaged ones

Perception: Grouping

“Low-Level” Processes

Peak-Shift Effect Mice trained to respond

to rectangles Respond more when

more rectangular stimuli are presented

Basis for caricature?

“High-Level” Processes

Non-art college students and art experts both asked to rate a set of paintings

There were correlations within each group, but negative correlations between groups

Enculturation “Acquired Tastes”

“High-Level” Processes

Metaphor Imagination

Theory and Practice

Concepts can be applied to art, architecture, or design in general

Universals important given multiculturalism Theory informs creativity, but doesn’t limit it

Questions?