FTS: Aesthetic Cognitivism in Philosophy and Empirical Studies of the Arts

The aim of this research project is to develop an empirically informed philosophy of aesthetic cognitivism through an in-depth analysis of the emotion of “wonder.” The focus of the investigation is on how “wonder” functions as both an epistemic and an aesthetic emotion and influences the cognitive processing and appreciation of art.

The most important methodological innovation is to bridge the gap between philosophy and empirical work by reanalyzing existing empirical data sets from (neuro-aesthetic) museum and gallery studies (“Philosophically Guided Supplementary Analysis Project,” PGsA). Within the framework of the PGsA, available data sets that attempt to represent knowledge emotions, epistemic transformations, and artistic evaluations at the neural level are reevaluated.

Studies show that highly intense aesthetic experiences activate the default mode network (DMN) in the brain, which is usually associated with self-referential thinking. The research distinguishes between linear responses in sensory regions, which correlate with the intensity of aesthetic preference, and nonlinear responses in frontal regions, which are only activated for the most moving works of art.

In addition, further empirical studies are being conducted to supplement the reanalysis and enable a more nuanced understanding of certain components of “awe” that have not been addressed in existing studies.

Furthermore, a broad spectrum of relevant theories (Kant, Schopenhauer, Dewey, Langer, Elgin, Robinson) as well as several complementary systematic reviews addressing critical issues (including criticism of the Eurocentric concept; challenges of the post-factual; methodological criticism) will be included in the study in order to develop a comprehensive theory of aesthetic cognitivism that addresses the central role of art and culture in cognitive processes (e.g., knowledge, recognition, understanding).

The research project aims to bridge the gap between art philosophy and cognitive science by integrating research from neuroaesthetics and empirical aesthetics into philosophical research. In addition, the research project will promote a more interdisciplinary approach to aesthetics, including with regard to current theories of the mind such as predictive processing and 4E (embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive) cognition.