CHAPTER II - OF THE THEORETIC FACULTY AS CONCERNED WITH PLEASURES OF SENSE

Summary

Explanation of the term “Theoretic”

I proceed, therefore, first to examine the nature of what I have called the Theoretic faculty, and to justify my substitution of the term “Theoretic” for “Æsthetic,” which is the one commonly now employed with reference to it.

Now the term “æsthesis” properly signifies mere sensual perception of the outward qualities and necessary effects of bodies; in which sense only, if we would arrive at any accurate conclusions on this difficult subject, it should always be used. But I wholly deny that the impressions of beauty are in any way sensual; they are neither sensual nor intellectual, but moral: and for the faculty receiving them, whose difference from mere perception I shall immediately endeavour to explain, no term can be more accurate or convenient than that employed by the Greeks, “Theoretic,” which I pray permission, therefore, always to use, and to call the operation of the faculty itself, Theoria.

Of the differences of rank in Pleasures of Sense

Let us begin at the lowest point, and observe, first, what differences of dignity may exist between different kinds of æsthetic or sensual pleasure, properly so called.

Now it is evident that the being common to brutes, or peculiar to man, can alone be no rational test of inferiority or dignity in pleasures.