Selected writings on aesthetics

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Johann Gottfried Herder (1744-1803) was a pivotal figure in the philosophy of history, culture, and language, and he made significant contributions to aesthetic theory. A student of Kant, he sought to reconcile the contrasting ideas of Enlightenment thought. His work influenced notable figures such as Hegel, Nietzsche, and Goethe. This collection features Herder's key writings on aesthetics, including major sections from his untranslated work, Kritische Wälder (Critical Forests). Many of these texts are presented in English for the first time, illustrating Herder's engagement with the controversies of his time while also foreshadowing future developments in aesthetics. The selected writings encompass a wide range of topics, including the psychology and physiology of aesthetic perception, arts classification, taste, Shakespeare, the classical tradition, and the interplay between art and morality. Herder's reflections on the cultural, historical, ethical, and theological aspects of art and creativity reveal his deep sensitivity and productivity. This collection highlights the significance of aesthetics in Herder's thought and his substantial contributions to the field.