The philosophy of architecture in analytic tradition: An enquiry on the possibility of the field and its themes

Abstract

The paper focuses on the new field of philosophy of architecture in analytic tradition. The research presented in this paper is part of an ongoing doctoral research concerning the connection between ethics and aesthetics in architecture. The connection between architecture and philosophy is not a novelty. Architectural theory has always looked up to philosophy for inspiration but only recently philosophers have started to study architecture in detail. Architectural theory is still a field that is in search of a better conceptual frame after the failure of the theoretical premises of the Modern Movement and the rise of the "theory speak". Architecture's features as a public art ask for a certain amount of objectivity. The philosophy of architecture in analytic tradition can contribute to a more objective conceptual frame. The principal concerns are familiar to those acquainted with continental philosophy: What makes architecture special among the arts? What is the essence of an architectural work? How we can better define architecture's social mission? But the way of answering them is different. The ethical dimension of architecture is one of the most debated subjects among architects in recent years. There are several contributions on the connection between ethics and aesthetics in the philosophy of architecture in analytic tradition. They have the potential to have an impact on architectural theory and practice.