The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution
The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Brief
BetaThe Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008278
Book • Nonfiction
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution, Denis Dutton proposes that art appreciation is a universal trait shaped by evolutionary processes. He argues that aesthetic preferences are rooted in human biology, drawing connections between artistic expression and survival advantages, and explores how our shared evolutionary history influences artistic tastes and experiences across cultures.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,030 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Denis Dutton's The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution is praised for its interdisciplinary approach, blending art theory and evolutionary biology. Critics appreciate its engaging narrative and original ideas, though some find the argument overly broad and lacking empirical evidence. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking perspective on art's evolutionary role.
Who Should Read The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution?
Readers who enjoy The Art Instinct by Denis Dutton are often fascinated by the intersection of art, psychology, and evolutionary theory. Similar to fans of E. O. Wilson's Consilience or Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate, they appreciate interdisciplinary approaches that blend science with aesthetics.
2,030 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
278
Book • Nonfiction
2008
Adult
18+ years
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