Kant's Aesthetic Cognitivism

In this superb book, Kuplen offers an original interpretation of Kant that opens up a new way of thinking about the forms of worldly insight that art can offer. Kuplen’s model demonstrates that art’s claim to cognitive value lies in its ability to reveal features of the world in ways that cannot be grasped through the exercising of ordinary forms of cognition. Kuplen’s case for this is smart, clear, and of broad relevance. Kant’s Aesthetic Cognitivism is a major achievement. * John Gibson, Professor of Philosophy, University of Louisville, USA *
A thorough treatment of Kant’s understanding of artworks as expressions of aesthetic ideas is long overdue. Kuplen provides such an account, arguing that art enhances our holistic understanding of abstract concepts and ideas by leveraging the emotional and affective responses they elicit. Doing so, moreover, occasions aesthetic pleasure in art, suggesting an intimate connection between cognitive and aesthetic value at the core of Kant’s “aesthetic cognitivism.” Timely, and fully developed, Kuplen’s account is sure to further debate. * Diarmuid Costello, Professor of Philosophy, University of Warwick, UK *