Fields
of knowledge interested in the study of aesthetics have been mostly philosophy,
art, architecture, and the behavioral sciences. Each field has dealt with
aesthetics from their own perspective, serving their own purposes, and
reflecting their own world views and ideologies. Each field has therefore
defined aesthetics in distinct ways reflecting their approach to aesthetics.
Nevertheless, many similarities do occur among these different approaches,
pointing toward several common issues. This course introduces the study of
aesthetics by defining the term and discussing the reasons why the study of
aesthetics is important. The discussion brings up the differences as well as
the similarities among the various fields of knowledge. However, the emphasis is
placed upon the contributions of the behavioral sciences in particular on
architectural and urban aesthetics, thereby pointing towards innovations in the
study of aesthetics. The interest in studying aesthetics raises a number of
important questions. Who, what, why, and how to study aesthetics becomes the
focus of attention.