Abstract

The chapter delves into the evolutionary aspects of beauty perception, emphasizing its universal nature within the human species. Examining the neuroscientific perspective on beauty perception, the chapter reviews studies that investigate the neural processes underlying aesthetic experiences. It highlights the emerging consensus that views the evolution of aesthetic appreciation as a result of exaptation, wherein pre-existing neural structures are repurposed for aesthetic functions. The article particularly underscores the role of sensorimotor simulation processes in aesthetic experiences, presenting evidence from both behavioral and neurofunctional studies. The contribution of sensorimotor simulation processes to beauty perception is discussed, presenting recent research indicating that these processes extend beyond social cognition, influencing aesthetic judgments and emotional responses. The intersubjective synthesis between the observer and the object of aesthetic experience, mediated by the intricate interaction between the brain-body system and the external stimuli underscores the role of embodied perceptual and sensory skills in shaping aesthetic experiences, providing insights into the complex interplay between the body, the mind, and the external environment.