You are here

Print this page

The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution

Denis Dutton
In conversation with Michael Shermer, the Skeptic Society
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Listen:
Episode Summary
Combining two fascinating and contentious disciplines -- art and evolutionary science -- a philosopher, professor and founder/editor of the popular Arts & Letter Daily, argues that human tastes in art are shaped by Darwinian selection.

Participant(s) Bio
Denis Dutton was born in Los Angeles and grew up in a family of bibliophiles, including brothers Dave and Doug, owners of bookstores in North Hollywood and Brentwood. For over twenty years he has been a professor of the philosophy of art at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Beyond his many publications in philosophy and aesthetics, Denis is founder and editor of the hugely popular website "Arts & Letters Daily," named by The Guardian as the best website in the world.


Credits

ALOUD audio is presented by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and made possible through support provided by The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Righteous Persons Foundation, City National Bank, K&L Gates, KPMG, Sue and David Rosenblum, Wallis Foundation, Donna and Martin J. Wolff and The Boudjakdji Foundation. Additional support provided by The Council of the Library Foundation, Library Foundation members, and the Los Angeles Public Library. Media support provided by KPPC 83.9 FM and KUSC 91.5 FM. ALOUD theme composed by Larry Karush.
 

Top