著者

桑島 秀樹

出版者

美学会

雑誌

美學 (ISSN:05200962)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.48, no.4, pp.1-12, 1998-03-31

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The aim of this paper is to make a close analysis of Burke's only work on aesthetics, A Philosophical Enquiry (1757). I will focus upon the idea of 'feeling' or 'touch'. Since the studies of Burke's political philosophy and aesthetics in the past have given little attention to this. The idea of 'feeling' or 'touch' is at the philosophical basis of Burke's aesthetics. It reveals his fundamental confidence in the external world and in the human body system, including its innate mental powers. It also reveals his positive attitude toward 'obscurity' of image and sight. Burke's argument is brought to "anti-ocularcentrism" or "anti-illusionism". This will be demonstrated by making an examination into the ideas of 'danger', 'obscurity' and 'imagination'. The idea of 'feeling' or 'touch' will lead to the core of Burke's aesthetics, particularly to that of his greatly interested subject : the Sublime. It will also be shown to have a connection between the Sublime and the Grace. Reference will be made even to the influence of William Hogarth's aesthetics in his work, The Analysis of Beauty (1753) upon the thinking of Burke.