Introduction

pp. 1-6

in: Ian King, The aesthetics of dress, Berlin, Springer, 2017

Abstract

This chapter introduces the main themes of the text—aesthetics, the body, everyday and dress. The Aesthetics literature has been evolving  for over three hundred years but overall the general assessment is that it is disappointing and often confusing. The literature seemingly lacks clarity and bases too many of its assumptions on normative and theoretical issues and almost zero empirically. Accordingly, the result is that it has become largely marginalised set of inwardly focused epistemological arguments. This chapter argues that the future for our understanding of aesthetics should appreciate that it is an everyday term, and one that demands to be understood. Not least, aesthetics needs to be accessible to all, regardless of background, skills, religion or political persuasion. Accordingly, this chapter calls for a body-centric approach to appreciating aesthetics; one that employs dress as its  exemplar rather than continue to rely on fine art.