Foreword. Aesthetics and ontology in Etienne Souriau

Étienne Souriau was a refined and demanding thinker, with an aristocratic demeanour, far removed from the currents of ideas dominant in his time. A difficult erudite author, out tune times he lived in, would seem least likely candidate to appeal hurried globalised public like that twenty-first century. sophisticated representative rationalist positivism, no stranger Husserlian canon not even insensitive motivations dear gnoseological debate Cartesian Kantian matrix (as well as major themes classical metaphysics), pursues ideal constructive philosophy, capable understanding – at same time favouring advancement creative process conceived set poetic acts progressive dynamic operations. In texts, is attentive grasping correspondences, exchanges reciprocal transitions between one mode existence another, resonances various art forms different fields knowledge, testing original method epistemologically very fruitful.
 The aim this monographic issue Aisthesis dedicated explore thought its multiple aspects, order measure topicality relation problems characterise contemporary philosophical debate, particular reference aesthetics ontology dense network connections two fields. One most interesting characteristics Souriau’s has stood test appear be multifacetedness: quality lending itself being applied spheres are apparently distant reflection on art, such cultural anthropology, political philosophy or morality. It seemed us it largely owes relevance precisely intersections field knowledge another.
 contains twelve contributions main aspects depth. They range analyses devoted architecture (his general philosophy) essays by Dominique Chateau Filippo Domenicali, which can furnish useful overall picture man, attempt focus more properly ontological core thought, those arabesque motif (Luigi Azzariti-Fumaroli), theory soul (Sjoerd Van Tuinen) multiplicity worlds (Noëlie Plé). Interspersed these comparison philosophers time, Dufrenne (Maryvonne Saison), well-known later who explicitly referred him, prolonging impetus, Gilles Deleuze (Casey Boyle) Bruno Latour (Aline Wiame), true architect current “comeback”. Finally, addition theoretical nature, there re-evaluate certain aesthetics, fruitfulness cues come for animal (Maddalena Mazzocut-Mis Andrea Scanziani), possible (Isabelle Rieusset-Lemarie).
 “Miscellaneous” section, hosts number studies aesthetic implications new technologies, ecological offer unusual profile Baumgarten.