In recent years, experience has been one of the most ambiguous, evasive, and controversial terms in myriad disciplines including epistemology, religion, literary theory, and philosophical aesthetics. Its association with the subjective consciousness has deprived it of the cognitive status of human knowledge. DEGREESIArt and Experience DEGREESR aims to grasp a firmer hold on this elusive concept, via essays written by a distinguished group of international scholars who have rediscovered the foundation of experience and restored its cognitive status in understanding our cultural activities. Indeed, emotions and experience play a vital role in human cognition, and the symbiotic relationship between culture and experience is a subject long overdue for further study.

Clarifying the intricacies scholars face in understanding the concept of experience, this volume's broad approach makes it an invaluable contribution to the study of the humanities. Its uniqueness lies in its focusing on the manifold aspects of the concept rather than in drawing any singular, dogmatic conclusion about its nature and function.

This exceptional new collection comprises 13 new essays on the nature and definability of art. Presenting a wide offering of contemporary philosophical perspectives--including theoretical, historical, cross-cultural, and evolutionary--Art and Essence offers thorough critical discussion on the extensive contemporary philosophical literature on the subject. The work here contrasts the idea of theorizing about why we make and consume art with that of defining it; furthermore, the authors consider the possibility that art has no definable essence and discusses differences and connections between art and nature. More historical chapters focus on ancient and medieval approaches to art, while others discuss the work of philosophers such as Hume, Kant, and Nietzsche. Non-Western cultures cultivated their own, distinctive art practices and philosophies, as discussed in chapters on India and Japan, and contemporary philosophers have added their own unique perspectives. The authors are among the leading philosophers on the subjects they cover, making Art and Essence an invaluable tool for scholars of a wide variety of fields.

Concentrating on scholarship over the past four decades, this multidisciplinary approach to representation considers conceptual issues about representation and applies different theories to various arts. Following an introduction that traces the historical debates surrounding the concept of representation, Part One focuses on representation and language, epistemology, politics and history, sacrificial rites, possible world and postmodernism. Part Two applies current theories to painting, photography, literature, music, dance, and film. Writings highlight the vital role representation plays in the formation and appreciation of major genres of art.

This work will appeal to art philosophy and aesthetics scholars and to cultural studies and linguistic scholars. Rather than advocate certain theories, the essays illustrate the inherent complexities of representation.