Abstract: Kendall Walton argues that it is not appropriate to practice aesthetic judgment on works of art simply by what could be perceived in the art works, and "appropriate aesthetic appreciation" should rely on (some) facts about the "correct category" and the origins of art works. The paper maintains that his theorization of "appropriate aesthetic appreciation" is actual not appropriate enough. On the one hand, the so called "correct category" has problems that prevent it from performing its critical function; on the other hand, the origins of art works may be of essential importance in art criticism, but they're not sufficient conditions. This paper contends that appropriate aesthetic judgment can be appropriate when it follows three principles. First, its first principle should be the contemporary perception and emotional experience of the art works. Second, art works should be viewed in the general framework of artists and appreciators as well as the socio-historical context they belong to. Third, the maximization of aesthetic value should be realized within the balanced value system which covers the fields of morality, recognition and religion, etc.

Key words: art, appropriate aesthetic appreciation, historical context, Kendall Walton