How can we move beyond the traditional subject-object relationship with beauty and instead engage with the world through direct, participatory aesthetic experience? Is it possible that aesthetics—not metaphysics—should be considered "first philosophy"?

Today's guest is Dr. Arnold Berleant, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Long Island University and one of the most influential voices in contemporary aesthetics. Known for his pioneering work on environmental aesthetics and the concept of aesthetic engagement, Berleant has reshaped how we understand art, beauty and the role of the observer. His work moves beyond traditional object-focused aesthetics and instead emphasizes the dynamic participatory relationship between perceivers and their environment. At 93 years old, Berleant has published nine books and spent decades developing a revolutionary approach to aesthetic philosophy that challenges conventional wisdom about how we experience beauty and meaning.

In this conversation, we explore Berleant's groundbreaking concept of "aesthetic engagement"—a radical departure from Kant's classical notion of disinterested contemplation. Rather than standing back and observing art from a distance, Berleant argues that true aesthetic experience requires putting ourselves "at stake" in the encounter, becoming vulnerable participants rather than detached observers. We delve into how this philosophy extends far beyond museums and concert halls into what he calls "everyday aesthetics"—finding profound beauty in the steam rising from your morning coffee, the shadows cast by trees on snow, or the arrangement of chairs in your living room. This isn't just philosophical theory; it's a practical approach to living that can transform how we experience everything from reading literature to walking through our neighborhoods. As our education systems increasingly prioritize economic outcomes over aesthetic sensitivity, Berleant's insights offer a compelling case for why cultivating our capacity for aesthetic engagement might be essential not just for personal fulfillment, but for remaining fully alive in the world.