Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2020, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 190-199.

• Aesthetic Studies • Previous Articles     Next Articles

"Pure Pleasure", "Absolute Beauty", and "True Self": A Study of the Metaphysical Dimension of Aesthetics

Liu Xuguang   

  1. College of Liberal Arts, Shanghai University
  • Online:2020-01-25 Published:2020-03-19
  • About author:Liu Xuguang, Ph. D., is a professor at College of Liberal Arts, Shanghai University. His research interests include Chinese and Western history of aesthetics and art theory.
  • Supported by:
    the Major Project of the National Social Sciences Fund (18AZW003)

Abstract: Human aesthetic behavior has a metaphysical state: the subject, in its "true self" state, pursues "absolute beauty" through "pure intuition", and then obtains "pure pleasure". Albeit ideal, this formulation is a principle generally found in various Chinese and foreign aesthetics. It lays foundations for aesthetic behavior at the metaphysical level, guides specific aesthetic practices, and becomes an object of art. As the logic premise of modern aesthetics, this principle has significantly influenced various modern aesthetic theories.

Key words: aesthetics, pure pleasure, absolute beauty, true self, the metaphysical