About Us
Who We Are
The Canadian Society for Aesthetics / Société Canadienne d'Esthétique is Canada's premier academic organization dedicated to the study and advancement of aesthetics. Founded to foster dialogue and scholarship in the philosophy of art and beauty, we bring together academics, students, and professionals from across the nation.
Our society operates primarily in Canada, with our activities centered in Westmount, Quebec. We serve as a vital hub for those interested in exploring the profound questions of aesthetic experience, artistic value, and the philosophy of beauty.
Our Mission
The Canadian Society for Aesthetics / Société Canadienne d'Esthétique fosters the study and advancement of aesthetics in Canada. Our mission is to encourage research, promote dialogue, and support scholarship in aesthetics. The organization aims to provide a space for individuals interested in the subject to connect and exchange ideas.
Our Vision
We envision a Canada where the appreciation and understanding of aesthetics flourishes across all disciplines. We strive to be the leading forum for aesthetic discourse, bridging the gap between academic philosophy and the broader appreciation of art, beauty, and culture.
"Not only do we have to learn how to show we mean what we say but also to know how to say what we mean. Difficult ideas are not easy, not until we make them so."— Our Philosophy on Communication
Our Core Values
The principles that guide our work and community
Intellectual Charity
We believe that acts of the intellect become acts of charity. Through sharing knowledge and ideas, we help each other grow in understanding and appreciation of aesthetics.
Scholarly Excellence
We uphold the highest standards of academic research and discourse, encouraging rigorous inquiry into the nature of beauty, art, and aesthetic experience.
Open Dialogue
We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives on aesthetics are welcomed and explored through respectful and enriching conversations.
Areas of Focus
Our conferences and research span diverse aesthetic topics
Philosophy of Art
- Aesthetics of landscape and nature
- Video and digital media productions
- Dance and performance arts
- Architecture and spatial aesthetics
- Music and auditory experience
- Wine tasting and gustatory aesthetics
Our Geographic Focus
Serving the Canadian aesthetic community
Pan-Canadian Reach
The Society operates throughout Canada, with our activities centered in Westmount, Quebec. Our reach and membership primarily include Canadian academics, students, and professionals interested in aesthetics.
While our focus is on Canada, we welcome scholars from around the world who share our passion for aesthetic inquiry and wish to contribute to our discourse.
Headquarters
4729 DE MAISONNEUVE
WESTMOUNT, Quebec H3Z1M3
Our Journey
A legacy of aesthetic scholarship in Canada
Foundation
The Canadian Society for Aesthetics was established to create a formal organization for aesthetic studies in Canada.
Growth & Development
The society expanded its membership and began hosting regular annual conferences across Canadian universities.
Notable Conference
The fifteenth annual meeting in Ottawa focused on "Rationality and Aesthetics," bringing together scholars from across the nation.
Expanding Horizons
Featured author-meets-critic sessions and expanded topics to include contemporary aesthetic challenges.
Continuing Legacy
We continue to foster aesthetic scholarship through both in-person and online events, reaching scholars across Canada and beyond.
Become Part of Our Story
Join our community of scholars and contribute to the advancement of aesthetic studies in Canada.