The 5 Top Articles from ARL
Hello Aesthetics Advocates!
Years ago, I saw a need to connect people and ideas from different industries and sectors who are drawn to aesthetics. One of the goals of Aesthetics Research Lab is to provide a space to forge connections centered around aesthetics. Rather than an end of year message, I wanted to highlight some of the most popular articles from Aesthetics Research Lab with a bonus highlight from the ARL Substack.
As we are about to begin a new year, many people think about goals and resolutions. Adding a focus on aesthetics can enhance those goals. Please reach out, if you want to work with me on developing those goals for your group or business. My consulting and speaking business continues to grow, and I welcome any introductions to people you think would benefit from my talks, workshops, or other projects.
As an end-of-year special, I’m offering 20% discount for a one-year subscription until January 5. Click on the button below.
Now for the most popular articles on ARL:
Beauty: Objective or Subjective
This article explores a persistent question about whether beauty is objective or subjective. It seems that reducing beauty to either side is problematic. The best understanding of beauty combines both objective and subjective components.
People favor those who they find attractive, which creates a halo effect on their opinion about someone’s morality. What is the relationship between beauty and morality?
Aesthetics often causes visceral reactions, both positive and negative. Oppressors often use negative aesthetic words, like disgusting, to influence people’s opinions of others. Words are important, and we need to become more aware of how they affect our attitudes.
Three Design Conditions of Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas proposed three conditions of beauty—proportion, integrity, and radiance. This article explains those conditions as elements of good design.
Aesthetics is often thought to be a nice (but unnecessary) addition to functionality. In other words, it has no direct practical import. This has been proven false. This article explains how aesthetics can actually help farming practices.
Bonus: The Ugliness of Mobility Aids
Whether temporary or long-term, mobility aids become an extension of a person’s body. Their ugliness sends a negative message to their users and others. As necessary aids, they should be given better aesthetics, just like any other adornment.
Let’s work on developing our aesthetic experiences, tastes, and futures this coming year. Whatever you do, aesthetics makes it better.
Thank you for your continued support, and Happy New Year!
Michael
ARL News
This fall has been productive! I’ve been interviewed on several podcasts which will air, starting in January. I gave talks about aesthetics to a wide array of audiences in business, architecture, and art. I’ve led workshops at businesses. Lastly, with my colleague Bella Zhang, I co-created and led a course called, “Aesthetic Paths to Flourishing.”
I have some availability for the spring, if you’re interested in having me speak or deliver a workshop. Email at michaelrspicher@gmail.com
My recent article for BeautyMatter explores aesthetic labor, click here to read it.
Digital Fashion: Theory, Practice, Implications, edited by Michael R. Spicher, Sara Emilia Bernat, and Doris Domoszlai-Lantner, is available for purchase!
