Thinking Evolutionary Aesthetics Empirically: A Dissertation Exploring Empirical Approaches to Questions of Art, Aesthetics, and Evolution

The University of Guelph • • Published In • Pages: 1-150 •
By Brady Fullerton

Abstract

This dissertation asks whether Ellen Dissanayyake’s evolutionary theories of art can be empirically tested across cultures. Multiple studies were conducted and used in this dissertation to empirically support Dissanayake’s theory—that art unites communities by directing shared attention. Cross-cultural statistical analysis and phylogenetic methods were used on data collected from the eHRAF World Culture that were also in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample, and the findings were able to support Dissanayake’s theory in one analysis but yield less conclusive results in another, highlighting methodological limits. The previous results were also redone, taking phylogeny into account, as well as using a regional sample from the WNAI, looking at major public ceremonies, which has a supportive result in the end.

Note

Multiple studies were used in this dissertation. Chapter 2 has been reviewed in another EHC document. Chapters 3 is covered here.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's ownUsed previous study's dataset for analysis
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Researcher's ownUsed previous study's dataset for analysis
D-PLACEOther ResearchersCombined with their own data for analysis.

Hypotheses (2)

HypothesisSupported
Bringing a shared attention to the ritual arts will have an increase in promoting group cohesion and social bonds.Not Supported
Major public ceremonies are positively associated with community integration across Western North American Indigenous societies.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jonathan.zhang