2) Summarize the essay The Phantom of Aesthetic State.

Immanuel Kant's concept of contemporary aesthetics suggests that there is a specific

type of brain activity involved in aesthetic experiences. This leads to the phantom
aesthetic mode or aesthetic state dilemma, which dates back to the period of abstract
inquiry into the Good, the Beautiful, and the True. According to Richards, the
aesthetic experience is not unique and should not be compared to everyday
experiences. The phrase "the phantom aesthetic condition" from I. A. Richards was
inspired by his words.

The majority of aesthetics introductions start with accounts of aesthetic experiences,

coupled with the claim that these experiences serve as the foundational evidence for
aesthetic theory. There appear to be two basic categories of experiences that are
classified as aesthetic: attitude and attentiveness. The term "aesthetic experience" is
used to describe anything or a certain type of experience that is brought on by looking
at paintings, listening to music, and other similar activities. This idea is not mutually
incompatible, and the same author might refer to the aesthetic attention to an item that
results in an aesthetic experience. In "The Phantom Aesthetic State," Kant scorns the
idea of an exclusive aesthetic condition, believing that modern aesthetics is predicated
on the idea that there is a distinct type of pleasure that is disinterested, universal, and
unintelligent.

He held the opinion that an experience of art belonged in a different category from
other experiences and should not be compared to those of daily life. Richard Richards
argues that the aesthetic experience of art is not unique, but rather a part of everyday
life. He suggests that it is composed of an explanation of worth and an account of
communication, and that the development of the human mind is a result of it being
used as a tool for communication. Richards believes that the ultimate form of
communication activity is the arts, even if the artist is not actively involved in the
project.

Submitted By- Manya Shivendra