Aesthetic Gadgets: Rethinking Universalism in Evolutionary Aesthetics

There is a growing appetite for the inclusion of outcomes empirical research into philosophical aesthetics. At same time, evolutionary aesthetics remains in margins with little mutual discussion various strands This surprising, because framework has power to bring these two approaches together. article demonstrates that approach builds biocultural bridge between our and understanding humans as aesthetic agents who share preconditions experience, but are not determined by them. Sometimes, philosophers wary framework. Does program presuppose an intrinsic instinct would determine way we form judgments, regardless environment which interact? I argue it does not. Imitation mindreading considered be central features module. Recently, contrary prior view, been shown imitation likely innate instincts socially learned, yet evolved patterns behavior. Hence, offer grounds idea cognitive module(s) too. outcome questions need traditional differentiation