A critical evaluation of Heidegger’s criticism of aesthetics in ‘The Origin of the Work of Art’

Abstract

This paper examines and critiques Heidegger’s repudiation of aesthetics in his essay ‘The Origin of the Work of Art’ and claims that his alternative approach to artworks in the essay must be understood as a theory of aesthetics and, more particularly, of aesthetic use, which delineates the inseparability of senses and sensations. The paper analyses Heidegger’s explicit remarks on aesthetics in the epilogue, discusses his criticism of the aesthetic thing-interpretation at the beginning of the essay and concludes with some critical observations on Heidegger’s own aesthetics. While critical of Heidegger’s separation of the equipment from the artwork, the paper claims that Heidegger’s significant contribution to the field of aesthetics must be sought in his focus on the attenuation of the subjective element in aesthetic experience.