Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with the notion of representation in arts and science, the relationship between scientific models and works of fiction, the act of interpretation in art and science, and the question of whether there can be a science of aesthetics. It explores a fascinating case of experiments designed and run by Artificial Intelligence (AI) using deep learning algorithms. Anscomb first considers a Kantian notion of beauty as “disinterested, sensuous pleasure”, but ultimately argues that it is ill-suited to these practices. A Kantian view of the beauty of experiments would imply that the result of an experiment is the source of aesthetic value, which overlooks the centrality of experimental design in our appreciation of experiments.