What is the study of the principles of art and beauty called?

The study of the principles of art and beauty is called aesthetics. This field encompasses a wide range of topics, including the nature of beauty, artistic expression, perception of art, and the criteria for evaluating art. Aesthetics examines how individuals interpret and experience beauty in various forms, including visual arts, music, literature, and nature. It plays a significant role in both art criticism and the philosophy of art, influencing how artworks are created and appreciated.

In contrast, ethics is concerned with moral principles and values, epistemology deals with the nature and scope of knowledge, and logic focuses on the principles of valid reasoning. While these fields contribute to the broader philosophical discourse, they do not specifically address the concepts of beauty and art that are central to aesthetics.