Can We Visually Experience Aesthetic Properties?

This chapter explores the claim that we can visually experience aesthetic properties (such as gracefulness or gaudiness). First, it considers epistemological and phenomenological arguments in favour of the more general claim that we can visually experience so-called ‘high-level’ properties (which include aesthetic properties), and an argument against this claim based on classification of illusions. After arguing that none of these arguments are compelling, the chapter considers two arguments in favour of the claim that we can visually experience at least some aesthetic properties that have certain distinctive features (‘observationality’, and a ‘superficial’ metaphysical structure). It is argued that these arguments aren't compelling either, and the chapter concludes by suggesting that there may be no fact of the matter as to whether we can visually experience aesthetic properties.