Introductory Lectures on Aesthetics (Penguin Classics)

Hegel believes that Fine Art reveals and reflects the Absolute Truth i.e. God. Art is the highest mind made manifest and instructs and raises other minds to greater consciousness of itself. Art is essential for life, since life's goal is the realization of maximum consciousness of oneself (One's mind) and God. Art is therefore a spiritual endeavor, since mind is spiritual. Art reveals the same thing that religion and philosophy reveal yet in a different and sensual way. Art is an end in itself, and IS what it REVEALS, and cannot be substituted by other means even though religion and philosophy reveal the same thing the method of its manifestation being different creates a different effect on the receiver/viewer. History of art studies and art historians know nothing of this true significance of Art.This edition comes with very copious notes and commentaries equal in length to the text by Hegel himself (ca. 95 pages of notes). They are in a very clear style similar in style to the test, written by Trinity College Fellow (Oxford) and Hegel scholar Michael Inwood. This work is ESSENTIAL for any understanding of what Art is. The full lectures are available from Oxford University Press in the translation by Knox at quite a high price.

Interesting and varied book on how people view aesthetics. Good grasp of subject.

very good

I received a pretty old version of the book, looks very used (despite the fact it was written used: as new), but well it was very cheap, so in the end can't complain too much.