Edward Bullough’s Views on the Theory of Psychical Distance: Major Theories of Response and Appreciation

Edward Bullough (1880-1934) was a prominent British aesthetician and philosopher whose work has left a lasting impact on the field of aesthetics. One of his most significant contributions to the discipline is the concept of “psychical distance,” which he introduced in his 1912 essay, “Psychical Distance as a Factor in Art and an Aesthetic Principle.” In this article, we will delve into Bullough’s views on psychical distance and the ways it influences our response to and appreciation of art.

The Theory of Psychical Distance

According to Bullough, psychical distance is a mental space or barrier that exists between the observer and the object of observation. This distance allows the observer to focus on the aesthetic qualities of the object, rather than its practical, emotional, or moral implications. By doing so, the observer can appreciate the object from an aesthetic standpoint, free from personal biases or emotional attachments.

Bullough argues that psychical distance is an essential aspect of aesthetic appreciation, as it enables the observer to detach themselves from the work of art and consider it from a more objective standpoint. The optimal level of psychical distance is achieved when the observer can balance their emotional engagement with the object and their ability to appreciate its formal and aesthetic qualities.

Major Theories of Response and Appreciation

Bullough’s theory of psychical distance has influenced various theories of response and appreciation in aesthetics. Some of the most prominent theories that incorporate this concept include:

1. Formalism: Formalism is an aesthetic theory that emphasizes the importance of a work’s formal qualities, such as color, line, and composition, in determining its aesthetic value. Psychical distance plays a crucial role in formalism, as it allows the observer to focus on these formal qualities without being distracted by personal emotions or biases.
2. Emotionalism: Emotionalism posits that the primary value of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions in the observer. In this theory, psychical distance is essential in allowing the observer to experience these emotions without becoming overwhelmed or losing sight of the work’s aesthetic qualities.
3. Cognitive Theory: Cognitive theory emphasizes the role of intellectual engagement in the appreciation of art. Psychical distance is crucial in this theory, as it allows the observer to engage with the work’s intellectual content without being hindered by their personal emotions or biases.
4. Phenomenological Approach: The phenomenological approach to aesthetics focuses on the direct experience of the work of art, emphasizing the importance of the observer’s subjective experience. Psychical distance plays a significant role in this approach, as it enables the observer to distance themselves from their personal biases and experience the work in a more direct and immediate way.
   

Key Learnings

Edward Bullough’s theory of psychical distance has had a profound impact on the field of aesthetics, shaping our understanding of how we respond to and appreciate works of art. By introducing the concept of mental distance between the observer and the object of observation, Bullough provided a framework for understanding the delicate balance between emotional engagement and aesthetic appreciation.

By exploring the ways in which psychical distance influences our response to and appreciation of art, we can gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of the aesthetic experience and the complex interplay between the observer, the work of art, and the wider cultural context in which it exists.