esthetics, æsthetics (esthetiks)

[Pl. of esthetic, æsthetic: see-ics.] The science which deduces from nature and taste the rules and principles of art; the theory of the fine arts; the science of the beautiful, or that branch of philosophy which deals with its principles; the doctrines of taste. The name Esthetics is intended to designate a scientific doctrine or account of beauty in nature and art, and of the faculties for enjoying and for originating beauty which exist in man. Encyc . Erit ., IX. 194. Categorical æsthetics are usele , because the final judgment of the world on questions of taste is intuitive. Edinburgh Rev. , CLXIII. 466. n.