Aesthetic Value, Art, and Food

Abstract

SynonymsAesthetics; Art; Cuisines; Ethical eatingl; Gustatorypleasure; TasteIntroductionCan a meal be a work of art? Doeating and drinking afford experiences that qualify as``aesthetic''? If so, how do the artistic or aesthetic aspectsof foods relate to ethical issues? While moral questions abouteating have been under philosophical discussion for a long time,its place in aesthetics is more recent, and the relationshipbetween ethical and aesthetic value is as contentious with foodas it is with art.Eating is both a biological necessity and acultural practice. Every living creature must nourish itself;however, necessary sustenance often comes at the expense of thelife of some other living thing. This fact alone opens ethicalquestions if one considers eating another sentient creature apractice with moral standing. What is more, habits of eatingreflect upon character -- for eating can be greedy orabstemious, convivial or solitary, enthusiastic or inattentive.Questions about the ...