Parsons and Carlson examine the relationship between function and aesthetic value. They develop the concept of Functional Beauty, drawing on work in the philosophy of science as well as aesthetics, and show its importance in diverse kinds of aesthetic appreciation - of buildings, nature, everyday objects, and events, as well as artworks.

• 1: Functional Beauty in the Aesthetic Tradition


• 2: Functional Beauty in Contemporary Aesthetic Theory


• 3: Indeterminacy and the Concept of Function


• 4: Function and Form


• 5: Nature and Environment


• 6: Architecture and the Built Environment


• 7: Artefacts and Everyday Aesthetics


• 8: The Functions of Art


• 9: Conclusion

Glenn Parsons is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Ryerson University, Toronto.
Allen Carlson is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alberta.