The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art

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In this book, Dr Anjan Chatterjee, a clinical and research neurologist at the University of Pennsylvania, introduces us to the emerging field of neuroaesthetics and what it has to offer. He surveys fields of art appreciation, neurosciences, PET and fMRI scans and clinical trials, anthropology, evolutionary biology, and philosophical constructs. His personal search is for understanding, and in the book he shares his informed quest: "Why is something regarded as beautiful?" and "For what purpose?"