Art(ifice) of Mind. Why Cognitive Scientists Should Consider Art?

Th e aim of this article is to present a cognitive approach towards art – from evolutional and neurobiological points of view. Th ere are described some interpretations of art: as a special kind of perception, as an adaptation and as the result of brain activity. Th is article is based on the work of Allan Snyder, Geoff rey Miller, Semir Zeki, John Tooby & Leda Cosmides. Th e core of this article is a neuroaestetics and its future implications for understanding art and creative  processes. Th ere will be also drawn some conclusions concerning an impact of sciences of art, that can be useful for mind sciences – as a multidimentional product of the brain, art can lead to better understanding of cognitive processes. Art is no longer treated (as it was in the past) as an anomaly – as a by-product of evolution. It is a way of expression of diff erent human abilities, which can serve both his and his descendants’ life. In this sense, art became something more precious than it was before. It is not only a unique creation of human, but also a key for understanding both artists and perceivers of a masterpieces.

Art(ifice) of Mind. Why Cognitive Scientists Should Consider Art?

Th e aim of this article is to present a cognitive approach towards art – from evolutional and neurobiological points of view. Th ere are described some interpretations of art: as a special kind of perception, as an adaptation and as the result of brain activity. Th is article is based on the work of Allan Snyder, Geoff rey Miller, Semir Zeki, John Tooby & Leda Cosmides. Th e core of this article is a neuroaestetics and its future implications for understanding art and creative  processes. Th ere will be also drawn some conclusions concerning an impact of sciences of art, that can be useful for mind sciences – as a multidimentional product of the brain, art can lead to better understanding of cognitive processes. Art is no longer treated (as it was in the past) as an anomaly – as a by-product of evolution. It is a way of expression of diff erent human abilities, which can serve both his and his descendants’ life. In this sense, art became something more precious than it was before. It is not only a unique creation of human, but also a key for understanding both artists and perceivers of a masterpieces.