How should we characterize the interaction between moral and aesthetic values in the context ofenvironmental aesthetics? This question is important given the urgency of many environmentalproblems and the particular role played by aesthetic value in our experience of environment. Toaddress this question, we develop a model of Environmental Virtue Aesthetics (EVA) that, we argue,offers a promising alternative to current theories in environmental aesthetics with respect to therelationship between aesthetics and ethics. EVA counters environmental aesthetic theories that focusmore narrowly on scientific knowledge and ground aesthetic value in ways that obfuscate pluralisticmodes of appreciation of and relationships with natural and semi-natural environments. To developEVA, we work with a revised notion of respect and engage with ideas concerning the development ofaesthetic sensibilities, care, and virtuous aesthetic appreciation. EVA has the potential to supportforms of human-nature co-flourishing, as well as constituting an aesthetic grounding for ecologicalcitizenship.
Hall, Nicole, Brady, Emily. Environmental Virtue Aesthetics
2023, British Journal of Aesthetics 63 (1): 109-126
Added by: Colin Troesken
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This article presupposes some familiarity with issues in environmental aesthetics, specifically debates concerning the connection between moral and aesthetic value in nature. Students reading this article would also benefit from some degree of acquaintance with virtue theory. In an introductory course on aesthetics, it could be read alongside a more introductory article such as Emily Brady's previous article "Aesthetic Character and Aesthetic Integrity in Environmental Conservation" (2002). The article is also well-suited for an advanced course in aesthetics, especially one which focuses heavily on the aesthetics of nature.