Evolutionary Aesthetics: an Introduction to Key Concepts and Current Issues

Abstract

In this article we try to give a philosophically reflected introductory overview of the current theoretical developments in the field of evolutionary aesthetics. Our aim is not completeness. Rather, we try to depict some of the central assumptions and explanatory tools frequently used in evolutionary accounts of human aesthetical preferences and address a number of currently debated, open research questions.

Keywords

• evolutionary aesthetics
• sexual selection
• attractiveness
• making special
• honest signals