CogSci 2026 · Aesthetics and good Gestalt: How interacting perceptual tendencies can inspire new insights in appreciation

Eline Van Geert
Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Sciences Society 2026 · online

From a Gestalt psychological perspective, aesthetic appreciation is closely related to the way we perceive the world around us. Essential is the organizational goodness of our perceptions, which can be strengthened by increasing unity and regularity in the arrangement, but also by increasing the complexity of its components. While some researchers advocate for a direct relation between goodness and aesthetic appreciation, others suggest that an increase in goodness (i.e., experiencing a stronger drive towards good organization) is what enhances appreciation. Although this debate remains unsettled and requires additional empirical research, I argue for a balanced view that encompasses both perspectives. The presentation will explore how a nuanced understanding of the principles underlying perceptual organization can help us better comprehend the principles underlying aesthetic appreciation. This will reveal the multifaceted nature of our aesthetic experiences, incorporating both pleasure and meaning.