EXPERIMENTAL AESTHETICS AND AESTHETIC EMOTIONS:REVIEW OF THE TRENDS IN THE WEST

Abstract

Aim. To identify current trends in the field of experimental aesthetics based on the review of Western sources and to analyze the theories of aesthetic experience and emotions. Methodology. The method of critical analysis of the literature, methods of comparison and generalization is applied. Results. Interpretations of the subject of experimental aesthetics or psychology of Aesthetics and the Arts are presented in this paper. The main trends in the West are shown. The analysis of the theories of an aesthetic experience and emotions showed the mechanisms of their occurrence, the characteristic of aesthetic emotions, their functions is presented and its main difference from emotions as a more general term is shown. Research implications. The results of the research contribute to the Russian psychology of art.

Keywords

• experimental aesthetics
• psychology of aesthetics and the arts
• emotions
• aesthetic emotions
• aesthetic experience