eaton001@umn.edu

754 Heller
612-625-3577

CV (pdf)

My interest in aesthetics grew out of interest in problems in the philosophy of literary language, such as the role of intention in literary meaning, truth in fiction, and the possibility (or impossibility) of correct interpretations.

In recent years I have become increasingly interested in other art forms, particularly in the visual arts. I have developed a theory of art (trying to distinguish art from non-art) and a theory of the aesthetic that I am now expanding. In this context I am investigating ways in which aesthetic and ethical value are related.

In attempting to understand 'aesthetic' I have also delved into recent work in landscape assessment. The Environmental Policy Act (and other legislation) requires that due account be given to aesthetic values in natural and urban settings.

Doing this raises a host of philosophical questions, both of a theoretical and practical nature. I hope to do more work in this area of "applied aesthetics." I served as the President of the American Society for Aesthetics from 1995-1997.

Selected Publications

Merit: Aesthetic and Ethical, Oxford University Press, 2000.

"Intention, Supervenience, and Aesthetic Realism." British Journal of Aesthetics (1998).

"Aesthetics: The Mother of Ethics?" Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism (1997).

"Laughing at the Death of Little Nell: Sentimental Art and Sentimental People." American Philosophical Quarterly (1990).

Aesthetics and the Good Life. Associated University Presses, 1989.

Basic Issues in Aesthetics. Wadsworth Publishing, 1988.

Art and Nonart: Reflections on an Orange Crate and a Moose Call. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1983.

"James' Turn of the Speech-Act." British Journal of Aesthetics (1983).

"Truth in Pictures." Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism (1980).