A phenomenological inquiry into the essence of aesthetics

This thesis investigates the ontological foundations of aesthetics to propose a solution to the crisis of aesthetics evident in various contexts. Using the phenomenological method, it seeks to determine the existential structure of aesthetics, based on the premise that aesthetic experience is a fundamental part of consciousness. Within this framework, the thesis undertakes the phenomenological mission of essence inquiry for aesthetics, aiming to establish a foundation for a holistic aesthetic theory. The thesis is organized into three main chapters. The first chapter presents the phenomenological approach and methodology. In the second chapter, it examines the historical development of the concepts of aesthetics and art, addressing fore-structures within Western aesthetic discourse, and identifies the origins of these structures to propose a new research starting point. The third chapter explores the phenomenological thresholds of aesthetics from this new perspective, ultimately presenting an ontological understanding of the meaning of aesthetics in the conclusion.