A note on the aesthetics of mirror reversal

    Research output: Journal PublicationsJournal Article (refereed)peer-review

    Abstract

    According to Roy Sorensen [Philosophical Studies 100 (2000) 175–191] an object cannot differ aesthetically from its mirror image. On his view, mirror-reversing an object–changing its left/right orientation–cannot bring about any aesthetic change. However, in arguing for this thesis Sorensen assumes that aesthetic properties supervene on intrinsic properties alone. This is a highly controversial assumption and nothing is offered in its support. Moreover, a plausible weakening of the assumption does not improve the argument. Finally, Sorensen's second argument is shown to be formally flawed. As a result, the case for the aesthetic irrelevancy of orientation seems still open.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)553-563
    Number of pages11
    JournalPhilosophical Studies: An International Journal for Philosophy in the Analytic Tradition
    Volume132
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2007

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