41 pages • 1 hour read
Edmund BurkeA Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1756A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Philosophical Enquiry into the Sublime and Beautiful by Edmund Burke examines the concepts of the sublime and beautiful in relation to aesthetics, arguing that beauty stems from qualities like smoothness and delicacy, while the sublime evokes awe and terror, linked to vastness and obscurity. Burke explores the interplay of sensory experiences, pain, and pleasure in shaping human taste and aesthetic appreciation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Edmund Burke's A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful offers nuanced insights into aesthetics, influencing both philosophy and literature. Praised for its detailed analysis and accessible prose, criticisms note occasional repetitiveness and dated perspectives. Overall, it remains a seminal work in aesthetic theory.
Who Should Read A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful?
Readers who enjoy works exploring aesthetics, like Immanuel Kant's Critique of Judgment or David Hume's Of the Standard of Taste, will be captivated by Edmund Burke's A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful. Ideal for those passionate about philosophy, art theory, and the nature of beauty.