In The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution, Denis Dutton proposes that art appreciation is a universal trait shaped by evolutionary processes. He argues that aesthetic preferences are rooted in human biology, drawing connections between artistic expression and survival advantages, and explores how our shared evolutionary history influences artistic tastes and experiences across cultures.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

2,030 ratings

65%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Denis Dutton's The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution is praised for its interdisciplinary approach, blending art theory and evolutionary biology. Critics appreciate its engaging narrative and original ideas, though some find the argument overly broad and lacking empirical evidence. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking perspective on art's evolutionary role.

Who Should Read The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution?

Readers who enjoy The Art Instinct by Denis Dutton are often fascinated by the intersection of art, psychology, and evolutionary theory. Similar to fans of E. O. Wilson's Consilience or Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate, they appreciate interdisciplinary approaches that blend science with aesthetics.

4.1

2,030 ratings

65%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Denis Dutton, in his book The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution, explores the idea that the appreciation of art is an evolutionary trait that has developed similarly to language and bipedalism.

The book won the 2009 New Zealand Post Book Award for best non-fiction, highlighting its impact and recognition in the field of evolutionary art theory.

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Dutton's book draws on a wide range of disciplines such as anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and art criticism, offering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the aesthetics ingrained in human nature.

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Book Details

Pages

278

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

•

Topic

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Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult