Carolyn Korsmeyer

Carolyn Korsmeyer (born 1950) is an American philosopher and author, recognized for her studies in aesthetics, feminism, and emotion theory. She holds a position as Professor of Philosophy at the University at Buffalo in New York. Korsmeyer earned her Ph.D. from Brown University in 1972 and began her tenure at the University at Buffalo in 1978, where she currently serves as the Head of the Philosophy Department. Throughout her career, she has received multiple accolades for her outstanding performance and achievements. Korsmeyer has published extensively on topics such as feminism and aesthetics, examining how classic concepts like fine art, genius, beauty, and taste are often gendered. Her research delves into the philosophical implications of taste, particularly in relation to food, drawing parallels between the aesthetic appreciation of food and art. She explores why certain complex flavors are perceived and how they evoke aesthetic responses. In feminist aesthetics, Korsmeyer analyzes how traditional aesthetic concepts like 'genius' have been historically associated with masculinity, while 'beauty' is often framed in relation to the male gaze. Her notable publications include 'Gender and Aesthetics: An Introduction,' 'Savoring Disgust: The Foul and the Fair in Aesthetics,' and 'Making Sense of Taste: Food and Philosophy.' She also contributed to 'Feminist Aesthetics' in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and co-edited 'Feminism and Tradition in Aesthetics.'