Epilogue

Abstract

In the closing chapter of this volume, the authors highlight conceptual, methodological, technical, and speculative issues that emerge from the collection and that they believe point to important future directions for the field of neuroaesthetics. One fundamental question that runs implicitly through the collection and is answered variously by the authors is what is meant by “aesthetics.” We note, too, opportunities for new lines of research that will significantly advance the models and applied relevance of neuroaesthetics. Such studies might address cross-cultural tests of neuroaesthetic theories, temporal dimensions of aesthetic engagement, multimodal experiences, neurochemical mechanisms, neuropsychological investigations of aesthetic experience, naturalistic experimental designs, and the impact of artificial intelligence and other technologies on our conceptions of art and creativity.