Transcending the opposition between consciousness aesthetics and somaesthetics

Abstract

Modern aesthetics in its early phase was “consciousness aesthetics” which upheld spirit but obviated body, hence offered demonstration for the priority of refined art as well as elite culture. In its later period, modern aesthetics converted into “somaesthetics” which, at the same time when it affirmed the identity of consciousness and body, laid particular stress on body, hence offered basis for the reasonableness of popular art as well as mass culture. Thus consciousness aesthetics and somaesthetics have their respective reasonableness and limitation. We should transcend the opposition between them, acknowledging the spirit aspect of aesthetics as well as the body aspect of it and affirming the dominant position of spirit, so as to establish a modern aesthetics characterized by body-mind integration.

摘要

早期现代美学是“意识美学”, 它高扬精神性, 排除了身体性, 从而为高雅艺术和精英文化的独占地位提供论证。 后期现代美学转向 “身体美学”, 它肯定意识与身体的同一, 但偏重于身体性, 从而为通俗艺术和大众文化的合理性提供了依据, 同时也产生了把审美降格为感性消费的偏颇 。 意识美学与身体美学各有其合理性和局限性。 应该超越身体美学与意识美学的对立, 既承认审美的精神性, 也承认审美的身体性, 并且肯定精神性的主导地位, 建立身心一体的现代美学。