The Stoic Theory of Beauty - Paperback

by Aiste Celkyte (Author)

Highlights the important contribution Stoic philosophy made to aesthetics

• Shows that this is a largely unexplored area of interest to scholars of both ancient philosophy and aesthetics
• Analyses material to show that there is a coherent and substantial attempt at systematic enquiry into aesthetic phenomena
• Discusses how Stoic ideas could enhance our understanding of ancient aesthetics and even contribute to contemporary aesthetics

Aiste Čelkyte shows us that Stoic views about beauty were substantial and compelling. She examines the ways in which the Stoics used aesthetic vocabulary in their arguments to demonstrate that aesthetic concepts played an important role in their philosophy.

Čelkyte argues that understanding the Stoic's aesthetic views allows us to interpret their famous account of virtue more thoroughly. She also explores the place that Stoic aesthetics has within the broader ancient Greek and Roman tradition, highlighting the value of incorporating Stoic views in the discussions of aesthetic properties and values.

Back Jacket

'Aiste Čelkyte approaches the Stoic theory of beauty with a strong grasp of modern debates on aesthetics and a good command of the ancient evidence for Stoic thought. She presents clear and philosophically sophisticated arguments to show that the Stoic engagement with aesthetic theory was both complex and substantial.' Anne Sheppard, Royal Holloway, University of London Aiste Čelkyte shows us that Stoic views about beauty were robust and compelling. She examines the ways in which the Stoics used aesthetic vocabulary in their arguments to demonstrate that aesthetic concepts played an important role in their philosophy. Čelkyte argues that understanding the Stoic's aesthetic views allows us to interpret their famous account of virtue more thoroughly. She also explores the place that Stoic aesthetics has within the broader ancient Greek and Roman tradition, highlighting the value of incorporating Stoic views in the discussions of aesthetic properties and values. Aiste Čelkyte is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Utrecht University. Cover image: Star Sonata, Allegro, Mikolajus Ciurlionis, 1908 (c) The Pictures Now Image Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library Cover design: [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN 978-1-4744-6161-0 Barcode

Author Biography

Aiste Čelkyte is Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Utrecht University.

Utrecht University