The Critique of Judgement

Immanuel Kant s great work on aesthetics, Critique of Judgement, argues that there is an objective quality to beauty that goes beyond mere emotion and personal preference. Though our individual pleasure or displeasure is fundamental in our attraction to a work of art, Kant argues that ultimately there are universal factors at play. The mere fact that such judgments are possible suggests a standard is being applied that exists outside of subjective opinion. Associating aesthetic judgments with moral ones, Kant asserts that there is a common sense of pleasure that is ubiquitous among humans. With the obvious exception of outliers, modern physiology and the turn in contemporary art towards creating beautiful works necessitates the reexamination of these fundamental questions of aesthetics. Originally published in 1790, Critique of Judgement (Part I: Critique of Aesthetic Judgement), is undoubtedly one of the most important essays in the history of aesthetics. Post-Modern Times is proud to make this work available in this attractive paperback edition.