Through a generous and inspired reinterpretation of John Dewey, Richard Shusterman establishes a theory of aesthetics that is liberated from the traditional dualisms and capable of reconciling art and the political.
The first edition was a fine book. The additional chapter in this second edition expands the account of the aesthetic way of life. Shusterman's defense of popular culture as art is convincing, thorough, and welcome.
The renovated, more everyday conception of aesthetic experience that he [Shusterman] champions inPragmatist Aesthetis is deeply embodied, occasionally political, and oriented around the practical art of living.
Studies in Philosophy and Education
A deeply satisfying work. Shusterman's knowledge of aesthetic theory, and in particular, current trends in what constitutes art, seems unparalleled. Inasmuch as he pushes the envelope of what hitherto has consisted of pragmatists aesthetics, Shusterman deserves to be called an original thinker.
Journal of Aesthetic Education
Shusterman...has written a spirited, generous, powerful, and stylish essay in which the acuity of analytical philosophy is cross-bred to the vision of continental theory to produce a work that no one interested in the philosophy of art—or philosophy of life—can afford to ignore. It is clear, eloquent, fair, and urgent.
A deeply satisfying work. Shusterman's knowledge of aesthetic theory, and in particular, current trends in what constitutes art, seems unparalleled. Inasmuch as he pushes the envelope of what hitherto has consisted of pragmatists aesthetics, Shusterman deserves to be called an original thinker.
Journal Of Aesthetic Education
Shusterman...has written a spirited, generous, powerful, and stylish essay in which the acuity of analytical philosophy is cross-bred to the vision of continental theory to produce a work that no one interested in the philosophy of art—or philosophy of life—can afford to ignore. It is clear, eloquent, fair, and urgent.
A challenging, deeply intelligent book.
"Through a generous and inspired reinterpretation of John Dewey, Richard Shusterman establishes a theory of aesthetics that is liberated from the traditional dualisms and capable of reconciling art and the political." Pierre Bourdieu
"A spirited, generous, powerful, and stylish essay in which the acuity of analytical philosophy is cross-bred to the vision of continental theory to produce a work that no one interested in philosophy of art - and philosophy of life - can afford to ignore. It is clear, eloquent, fair, and urgent." Arthur Danto
"A must for everyone engaged in current aesthetic debate, both for its lucid and penetrating criticisms of the dominant positions and for its reconsideration of Dewey within a contemporary cultural context." Choice
"Shusterman's achievement in these essays is considerable, and that my admiration of them is real; they reward careful study, and they point in new directions for the philosophy of art." Mind
"This work is one that "no one interested in philosophy of art — or philosophy of life — can afford to ignore." Society for American Philosophy Newsletter
"Shusterman's writing is exceptionally clear, fair, and well-argued. A first-rate contribution to the ongoing renaissance of pragmatism." Philosophy and Literature
