Principles of Minimalist Aesthetics

Author: Wang Huatong
Publisher: Henan University Press
Abstract:
The dialectical unity of historical and logical elements is an indispensable method of scientific thinking and also one of the methodological foundations of aesthetics. Marxist philosophy holds that historical elements refer to the historical development process of objective things, while logical elements are the reflection of historical processes in the form of logical thinking. Integrating these two elements dialectically is not only an effective method for the study of social sciences but also for natural sciences. Engels pointed out: "Where history begins, the thought process should also begin, and the further development of the thought process is merely a reflection of the historical process in an abstract, theoretically consistent form; this reflection is modified, yet it is modified according to the laws of the actual historical process. At this point, each element can be examined at the point where it is fully mature and takes on an exemplary form." Most of Marx and Engels' discussions on aesthetics and literary arts are the result of the combination of historical and logical elements.
Theory should be combined with practice. Aesthetic research should take Marxism as a guide, focusing on collecting and studying historical or contemporary aesthetic and artistic phenomena. By identifying patterns and conclusions from a wealth of facts, it can guide aesthetic practice and artistic creation.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Nature of Beauty
Section 1: The Meaning of the Nature of Beauty
1. The Meaning of the Nature of Beauty
2. The "Goldbach Conjecture" in Aesthetic Research
3. The Significance of Studying the Nature of Beauty
Section 2: The Nature of Beauty from the Perspective of Major Views in the History of Aesthetics
1. Major Views in the History of Western Aesthetics
2. Major Views in the History of Chinese Aesthetics
Section 3: The Nature of Beauty from the Perspective of Its Origin and Development
1. Beauty as a Social Phenomenon
2. Beauty as a Product of Social Practice
3. The Formation and Shift of Aesthetic Paradigms
Section 4: The Nature of Beauty from the Perspective of Aesthetic Laws
Section 5: Characteristics of Beauty
1. The Objectivity and Sociality of Beauty
2. The Relativity and Absoluteness of Beauty
3. The Wholeness and Diversity of Beauty
4. The Figurativeness and感染性 of Beauty
5. The Novelty and Originality of Beauty
Section 6: Truth, Goodness, Beauty, and Ugliness
1. The Relationship Between Beauty, Truth, and Goodness
2. The Relationship Between Beauty and Ugliness
Chapter 2: The Forms of Beauty
Section 1: Natural Beauty
1. The Nature of Natural Beauty
2. The Characteristics of Natural Beauty
3. The Aesthetic Significance of Natural Beauty
Section 2: Social Beauty
1. The Nature and Characteristics of Social Beauty
2. The Forms of Existence of Social Beauty
Section 3: Artistic Beauty
1. The Nature of Artistic Beauty
2. The Characteristics of Artistic Beauty
3. The Special Aesthetic Value of Artistic Beauty
Chapter 3: Aesthetic Categories
Section 1: Beauty
1. The Understanding of Beauty in the History of Aesthetics
2. The Essential Characteristics of Beauty
Section 2: Sublime
1. The Understanding of the Sublime in the History of Aesthetics
2. The Essence of the Sublime
Section 3: Tragedy
1. The Essence of Tragedy
2. The Forms of Expression of Tragedy
Section 4: Humor (Comedy)
1. The Essential Characteristics of Humor (Comedy)
Chapter 4: Aesthetic Consciousness
Chapter 5: The Aesthetic Attributes of Art and Art Creation
Chapter 6: Aesthetic Education
Afterword