Date of Publication

6-2-2025

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Subject Categories

Philosophy

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Philosophy

Thesis Advisor

Lorenz Moises J. Festin

Defense Panel Member

Maxell Lowell C. Aranilla
Cesar J. Unson

Abstract/Summary

One of the strongest objections to Hume's aesthetics is the problem of uniqueness, specifically the concept of aesthetic love as expounded by Nick Riggle. This challenge suggests that Hume's True Judges model may not be applicable in achieving our own ideal aesthetic life, as it hinders our capacity to form aesthetic love. Aesthetic love is the capacity to form a meaningful relationship with a chosen object. In aesthetics, forming aesthetic love is crucial because it highlights our uniqueness, which is highly valued since it celebrates our individuality, unlike ethics, where cooperation is necessary. Riggle presents two main arguments against Hume's theory: the attachment problem, where objects chosen by true judges are seen as binding, and the detachment problem, where having refined sensibilities due to becoming a true judge leads to massive access to aesthetic value, rendering one unable to form meaningful attachments due to the abundance of options. However, this thesis argues that following the True judges model does not harm the formation of aesthetic love, as the objects chosen by them are merely suggestions, and becoming a true judge only entails judging prospective aesthetic objects more fairly and accurately, allowing our natural biases, which act as attachments.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Aesthetics; Love; David Hume, 1711-1776

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Embargo Period

8-17-2025

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