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Reflections on Jianrong Liao’s Recent Book, Arnold Berleant’s Environmental Aesthetics and Everyday Aesthetics
Nie Chunhua
Arnold Berleant’s Environmental Aesthetics and Everyday Aesthetics, published in Chinese, offers a significant exploration of the influential philosopher’s work for the Chinese academic context and beyond.[1] Authored by Professor Jianrong Liao of Guangdong University of Technology in China, this volume provides a crucial bridge for understanding Berleant’s ideas on aesthetic engagement with our surroundings and daily lives. This paper aims to outline the book’s key themes and contributions, making its insights accessible to all readers interested in contemporary aesthetics.
Theoretical framework and core concepts
The core concept of Berleant’s aesthetic theory lies in his idea of “engagement,” which breaks through traditional aesthetic models and values. Liao meticulously studies and interprets Berleant’s engagement theory, which advocates a participatory model of aesthetic experience that involves human body, senses, and environment as a holistic field of perception. This model challenges the conventional boundaries between subject and object, art and life, and nature and culture, offering a more holistic and immersive approach to aesthetic experience.
Berleant’s “engagement” theory is derived from pragmatist philosophy, due to his early studies, particularly the ideas of John Dewey. Liao highlights how Berleant’s early engagement with Dewey’s ethical and aesthetic thought laid the groundwork for his later development of environmental and everyday aesthetics. By rejecting the non-utilitarian and transcendent principles of traditional art-centered aesthetics, Berleant opens up new possibilities for understanding the aesthetic dimensions of everyday life, from urban landscapes to natural environments.
Environmental aesthetics and everyday aesthetics
One of the most impressive parts of Liao’s work is his detailed examination of how engagement theory has been applied to both environmental and everyday aesthetics. With regard to environmental aesthetics, Berleant emphasizes the connection between humans and the environment, arguing that aesthetic experience is not art-centered, extending it to all aspects related to our living environment. Liao discusses how Berleant’s theories on environmental criticism, aesthetic standards, and the concept of environmental sublime have provided a solid foundation for understanding the aesthetic value of the environment that humans live in. As to everyday aesthetics, Berleant’s work challenges the traditional notion of aesthetics, which emphasizes art over everyday life. Liao points out how Berleant’s aesthetic dimensions of everyday life, such as interpersonal relationships, urban experiences, and even consumption culture, offer a broader perspective for us to understand the role of aesthetics in shaping people’s social lives. To demonstrate the application of Berleant’s theory, Liao analyzes the application of Berleant’s engagement theory to the design and planning of celebrity residences and further proposes his own theory on sky aesthetics.
Berleant’s influence on Chinese aesthetics
In his book, Liao also sheds light on the significant impact of Berleant’s work on the development of environmental and ecological aesthetics in China. Berleant’s ideas have resonated with Chinese scholars, particularly his emphasis on the unity of humans and nature, which aligns with traditional Chinese philosophical concepts such as Taoism and Confucianism. Liao notes that Berleant’s engagement theory has inspired Chinese scholars and aestheticians to reflect on classical Chinese aesthetic traditions in light of contemporary environmental challenges. In addition, Berleant’s work promotes the dialogues between Western and Chinese aesthetics. Liao highlights how Berleant’s engagement with Chinese traditional philosophy and aesthetics has helped bridge the gap between these two traditions, fostering a more inclusive and globally informed approach to environmental and everyday aesthetics. The cross-cultural exchange of aesthetics enriches the study of Chinese aesthetics and contributes to the development of environmental aesthetics, too.
Reflections and conclusion
Building directly on Berleant’s contributions and influence, Liao adopts a nuanced perspective, reflecting on whether Berleant’s theory can fully explain the complexities and challenges of modern societal transformations, such as climate change and ecological degradation. He also raises important questions about the application of Berleant’s theory in urban planning, environmental design, and aesthetic education, suggesting new fields for future development.
In general, Liao’s work offers a thorough analysis of Berleant’s aesthetics and is a provoking monograph for studying contemporary aesthetics. By looking at the theoretic framework, application, and implications of Berleant’s theory, Liao helps us further understand the Berleant’s aesthetic ideas and its far-reaching influence in both China and the Western world, highlighting its application in addressing some of the environmental and social challenges faced by us. This book is a valuable reference for those who are interested in or study aesthetics, environment, and everyday life.
Nie Chunhua
niechunhua@126.com
Nie is a professor at Guangdong University of Education. His research focuses on environmental aesthetics and traditional Chinese aesthetics.
Published on September 14, 2025.
Cite this article: Nie Chunhua, “Reflections on Jianrong Liao’s Recent Book, Arnold Berleant’s Environmental Aesthetics and Everyday Aesthetics,” Contemporary Aesthetics, Volume 23 (2025), accessed date.
Endnote
[1] Jianrong Liao, 阿诺德柏林特环境美学与生活美学研究 (Arnold Berleant’s Environmental Aesthetics and Everyday Aesthetics) (Beijing People’s Publishing House, 2024).