Gerald Bivens

Projects

Definitions

'esthetic'=df

The esthetic is the clarified and intensified development of traits that belong to every normally complete experience. 1

That which distinguishes an experience as esthetic is conversion of resistance and tensions, of excitations that in themselves are temptations to diversion, into a movement toward an inclusive and fulfilling close.2

An object is peculiarly and dominantly esthetic, yielding the enjoyment characteristic of esthetic perception, when the factors that determine anything which can be called an experience are lifted high above the threshold of perception and are made manifest for their own sake.3

Notes

  1. John Dewey, "Having an Experience," in Publication (City of publication: Publisher, Year published), Page range.
  2. Ibid, Page range.
  3. Ibid, Page range.