The Welsh Aesthetics Forum | Fforwm Estheteg Cymru Presents:
Dr Christopher Earley (Edinburgh)
“Art and the Aesthetics of Inquiring”
Wednesday 26th November 2025
4:10-5:30pm
John Percival Building, Room 3.47, Cardiff University
All Welcome!
Abstract
Philosophers of art often argue that there is a close relation between an artwork’s cognitive value and its aesthetic value. Typically, they do so by demonstrating how experiencing the aesthetic features of an artwork alters our understanding of a particular aspect of the world. I argue for an alternative way of understanding this relationship. I propose that, due to the collaborative nature of inquiry in the arts, artworks often prompt audiences to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of their own acts of inquiring. I put forward an account of how one can aesthetically experience one’s own epistemic agency, how these aesthetic experiences might help enhance our epistemic standing, and, in doing so, aim to shed light on an understudied yet highly significant aspect of art appreciation.
Recording
The organisers aim to record the talk and make it available through their website for anyone who can’t make it. However, please bear with them while we are changing websites.
Dinner & Drinks
After the talk, they’ll head for a drink, followed by dinner. The British Society of Aesthetics has agreed to cover dinner expenses for up to two students. Students who are interested in this opportunity are invited to contact the organiser (dixond7@cardiff.ac.uk). Anyone else who’d like to join, please also email. Please let the organisers know if you’d like to join for dinner by 5pm on Monday 24th November.