Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
My thesis defends the existence of aesthetic obligations, or the duty to engage with aesthetics, primarily in relation to the arts. I find completing aesthetic duties results in greater intellectual growth, virtues, and quality of life. Secondly, I argue you should consume and create human-made art over AI-generated art because human art has higher aesthetic value. Finally, I discuss the extent to which worth and non-worthy immoral art plays a beneficial role in fulfilling aesthetic obligations.
Recommended Citation
Epstein, Zoe, "Ethics and Art: Fulfilling Your Aesthetic Obligations to the Fullest" (2026). Honors Theses. 1902.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1902