The Art Instinct by Denis Dutton

Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution

This book explores the evolutionary origins of art, proposing that the appreciation and creation of art are innate human instincts shaped by natural selection. It argues that artistic behaviors and preferences are not merely cultural constructs but are deeply rooted in our biology, serving adaptive purposes throughout human history. By examining a wide range of artistic expressions across different cultures and eras, the book seeks to demonstrate how art has played a crucial role in human survival and social cohesion, offering a fresh perspective on the universal nature of artistic expression.

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