The Theory of Aesthetic Appreciation: The Unique Aesthetic Conception of Environmental Aesthetics and Its Promotion of Aesthetic Principles

Different environmental aestheticians have proposed different conceptions of aesthetics, and the most unique one is the theory of aesthetic appreciation proposed by Carlson. Carlson discusses the theoretical contributions and limitations of the term “the aesthetic” by criticizing and analyzing its development in contemporary aesthetics. Based on the relevant theories of Stolnitz, Dickie and Ziff, he defines “appreciation” as “engaged mental and physical activities” that is used to replace “blank cow-like stare”. In this sense, “appreciation” and new aesthetic terms such as “aesthetic relevance” and “appreciative relevance” promote the study of aesthetic principles. An accurate grasp of Carlson’s aesthetic appreciation theory is the prerequisite for an accurate understanding of his environmental aesthetic theory. Environmental aesthetics defines the fundamental issue of aesthetics as “aesthetic appreciation”, which is a significant change that reveals a message of the great times: human beings should first be grateful for their own living environment and respect for the objective attributes and intrinsic values of the environment, appreciate the objective characteristics and dynamic process of the environment.