The "phantom aesthetic state" is a term coined by I.A. Richards in his book Principles of Literary Criticism (1924). It refers to the idea that there is a certain kind of experience that is unique to art, and that this experience is valuable in and of itself. Richards argues that this experience is not simply a matter of enjoying the beauty of the art object, but rather of having one's emotions and thoughts reorganized in a way that is both pleasurable and beneficial.
Richards criticizes the view that the aesthetic state is a kind of "suspension of disbelief" in which the reader or viewer forgets their everyday concerns and enters a purely imaginary world. He argues that this view is unrealistic and that it ignores the fact that art often deals with real-world problems and emotions. Instead, Richards argues that the aesthetic state is a more active and engaged experience, in which the reader or viewer is challenged to think about their own thoughts and feelings in new ways.
The phantom aesthetic state is a complex and controversial concept, but it has been influential in the development of literary criticism. It has been used to argue for the value of art in education, therapy, and social change. It has also been criticized for being too vague and for failing to account for the diversity of aesthetic experiences.
Here are some of the key features of the phantom aesthetic state, as described by Richards:
It is a state of heightened attention and awareness.
It is a state of emotional engagement.
It is a state of intellectual stimulation.
It is a state of aesthetic pleasure.
It is a state of personal transformation.
The phantom aesthetic state is not an easy state to achieve, but it is one that can be deeply rewarding. When we experience the phantom aesthetic state, we are able to see the world in a new light and to understand ourselves in a new way. We are also able to connect with others on a deeper level.
If you are interested in exploring the phantom aesthetic state, I encourage you to read Principles of Literary Criticism by I.A. Richards. It is a challenging book, but it is also a rewarding one.
