Practical Aesthetics of A. Baumgarten

The article focuses on the analysis of Alexander Baumgarten’s concept of prac­tical aesthetics and its relevance to the contemporary understanding of aesthetics. It explores the evolution of aesthetics as an academic discipline, emphasizing the integration of practical dimensions. The authors investigate the historical roots and origin of the term «aesthetics», introduced by Baumgarten in 1735, and illustrate how his approach was aimed to unite theoretical and practical elements of the field. The study employs a broad array of Baumgarten’s works related to his «Aesthetics». It highlights that the examination of practice’s role in aesthetics has become a significant research theme in recent decades. Baumgarten established the groundwork for dividing aesthetics into theoretical and practical components during the 18th century. An analysis of his works reveals that prac­tical aesthetics was a fundamental part of his «science of sensory perception», and his concept of practical aesthetics is closely tied to the tradition of rhetoric and German metaphysics of the 18th century. Special emphasis is placed on five key elements of «successful aesthetician»: nature, practice, education, inspiration, and correction, demonstrating their interconnection. These elements shape the process of enhancing aesthetic experience and position aesthetics as a discipline aimed at enriching sensory understanding. The article also delves into the ethical aspects of Baumgarten’s aesthetics and examines their role in relation to ethos and practice. The authors conclude that the study of Baumgarten’s practical aesthetics serves as a valuable tool for developing a comprehensive perspective on modern aesthetics and its future directions.

Ethos · Everyday Aesthetics · German · Metaphysics · Perspective (graphical) · Relation (database) · Rhetoric · Theme (computing) · Art, Aesthetics, and Perception · Historical Architecture and Urbanism · Humanities and Social Sciences