William wrote: "On the contrary, I want aesthetics to be > removed from philosophy and joined with science -- meaning > scientific inquiry, quantifiable evidence, measurement, > observable function and the like."
Philosophy has to re-invent itself, and some philosophers are up to the challenge (or try at least). I'd like to think it's my case (hahaha, shameless self-promotion...) since I study brains in creative-perceptive situations. I'm not sure I want philosophy out of the picture... Then: " Philosophy is losing its ancient domain; or, it is being more carefully understood as diverse sciences of mind. Its very valuable role is ethics and morality which are the humanizing features of science. If the aesthetic experience is ever to be identified it will be a measurement of neural and social habits and responses. Philosophy can say if these are moral or ethical habits and responses. Yet even with respect to morality, etc., I suspect a genetic, neural, social construct guiding action." I believe the key here is how can philosophy become as "diverse sciences of mind". Researching consciousness, aesthetic consciousness thru a collaborative effort - (neuro)scientists, philosophers, artists. Maybe? As far as ethics and morality, may I suggest the work of French scientist Jean-Pierre Changeux; he has been researching the neurophysiological basis of ethics and moral. The book "Ce qui nous fait penser" -"What makes us thinks" Princeton University Press, a dialogue with French philosopher Paul Ricoeur is illuminating about that particular subject. Luc www.lucdelannoy.com www.neuroartes.org
