Gurevich, P. S. Beautiful Moments and Images

Abstract: The author of the review traces back the scientific activity by V. Samokhvalova with attention and interest. Samokhvalova’s works are quite distinguished among other works of modern esthetic literature. Her works are analytical and attract researchers with a clear and logical conception. As a rule, the logic of her statement is also flawless. Even though V. Samokhvalova does not claim that her esthetic research is monographic, nevertheless she touches upon the most significant problems in this branch of philosophy. Such terms as beauty, ugliness, creativity and genius cover the essence of esthetics. Samokhvalova’s analysis of art categories often contains both open and hidden polemics. In this case her book is a selection of articles and essays. The author of the present review describes them as ‘etudes’ or ‘lectures’ set out in a free form. The author of the review uses the method of the categorical analysis of esthetics and tries to define the internal connection between the concepts that altogether constitute the science called ‘esthetics’. Following V. Samokhvalova, the author traces back the process of formation of the esthetic consciousness and touches upon a complicated question about the origin of art and development of a specific language of art. The novelty of the review is in the author’s attempt to describe the structure of each problem discussed in a book. Modern esthetics are also taken into consideration.

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