In hmolscience, aesthetic energy is the energy associated with, produced, or derived from beauty and or physical attraction.
Overview
In the 1890s, Polish economist Leon Winiarski began to theorize about aesthetics in a thermodynamic sense, loosely as a type of biological energy associated with the processes of movement owing to attraction; having connection, in some way, to maximum pleasure and following periods of equilibrium,
In 1899, F. M. Winger, in summary of Winiarski's theories, characterized aesthetic energy as follows: [2]
"Esthetics may be postulated of individuals or of races, and the aim of aesthetics is attraction. In both ancient and modern times, figure and dress were made as beautiful as possible for purposes of attraction. This is referred to a process of movement; nervous movement on the part of those who feel the effects of the beautiful object, nervous and muscular movement on the part of those who act either in order to produce beauty or from its effects. Esthetic energy is dependent upon biological energies, and changes as they change. It expresses itself in movement in the making of arms, dwellings, ornaments, and, in more modern times, in sculpture, painting, music, and architecture—the types varying according to the race. In the days of chivalry, strength attracted, now skill in arts or sciences does so. Social influence depends upon these acquirements, and the class which has acquired most will rule, although often a mediocre class in other respects. It is all utilitarian, the individual or the race desiring to attain a high position and attaining it according as intensity or duration of pleasure is given. These periods of maximum pleasure are followed and preceded by a period of equilibrium, and just so much pleasure results as there has been energy expended."
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See also
● Beauty is power (Ѻ)
References
1. Winiarski, Leon. (1899). “L’équilibre Esthétique” (Aesthetic Equilibrium), Rev. Philos., xivii, pgs. 569-605.
2. Winger, F. M. (1899). “Summary of Article: L’équilibre Esthétique (Aesthetic Equilibrium). Dr. Léon Winiarski.” Rev. Ph. 6, XXIV, (pgs. 569-605) in The Philosophical Review (pg. 649). Cornell University.
