beauty changes everything
Theories of beauty and taste have a long history in philosophy. However, new research—from neuroscience to organizational management to user experience and product design—has heightened our understanding about how aesthetics influences everyday decisions and actions.
Keeping a pulse on all that is new in aesthetics, ARL serves as a think tank to bring together different sectors engaged with aesthetic questions and solutions.
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On the IMDb website, the highest rated film is The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Audiences rally behind Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins) and Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (played by Morgan Freeman). When it comes to real prisoners, however, a stark difference seems more normal, as people adopt an out of sight and out of mind … Continue reading Aesthetics as Necessary for Prison Reform
The title of this essay is admittedly a mouthful. It’s because I want to introduce a technical term in philosophy that goes back to the medieval theologian and philosopher, Thomas Aquinas. It is useful in understanding the beauty of performance, in both artistic and non-artistic contexts. When someone is well-trained on an instrument or tool, … Continue reading Performative Beauty and Knowledge by Connaturality
Aesthetics is a central motivation for human action. Yet, we continue to pretend that aesthetics is just an afterthought. Drawing from the history of aesthetics and current research in neuroaesthetics and beyond, ARL offers consulting, research, and speaking to show how aesthetics can make a difference in your work and life.
Featured work includes moderating a webinar on “Art and Aesthetics in the Healthcare Environment” for the project Applied Neuroaesthetics (NY); creating a workshop for the Executive Design Studio, called “Is Your Business Beautiful?”(LA/NY); leading a workshop for teens at a nonprofit graphic design studio, Artists for Humanity (BOS); and collaborating on digital fashion and aesthetics with the think tank Fashion Forward (NY).
I’ve taken several classes from Michael Spicher. I can’t say enough about his abilities. He’s a wonderful teacher and a sensational speaker. He presents his material in a clear and concise way that makes his subjects understandable and relevant to all his students, no matter their level of prior knowledge or experience. He’s a personable, articulate man with a terrific sense of humor. I would go to one of his classes or attend one of his lectures in a heartbeat.
Gary K. Wolf
Creator of Roger Rabbit
The aesthetic dimension of business and business leadership is more than a matter of appearances. It is a matter of insight and the essential underpinnings of what we perceive, how we think and what and how we create. Michael Spicher’s insights run deep and he communicates them from a place of active inquiry. He is a scholar, but also an explorer, an honest broker of ideas and well worth listening to.
John Cimino
President & Founder, Creative Leaps International
