The arts are many things: a source of entertainment, an industry, and even in some cases a luxury item or status symbol. In this book, a philosopher and a cognitive scientist argue that, most foundationally, the arts are fundamental to who we are, a source of transformation and transcendence. Drawing on real-world examples – from visual art and poetry, to music and performance – they offer a powerful framework for understanding how art engagement fosters intellectual growth and emotional insight. Each chapter features thought-provoking artworks that invite readers to reflect on their own experiences and grapple with essential questions about empathy, creativity, and what it means to live well. Rich in scholarship yet grounded in everyday relevance, this work offers fresh ways to think about the role of the arts in both individual and collective life. It offers the perfect jumping-off point for anyone curious about how the arts shape our minds.

‘A deeply researched and clearly written account of how the arts can change us for the better in many different ways – with arguments resting on both philosophical insights and empirical psychological studies. This book should be of interest to any scholar or lay person who wonders why the arts might be necessary and not just nice.’

Ellen Winner - author of How Art Works: A Psychological Exploration

‘Taking an interdisciplinary approach, Why the Arts Matter, provides a thoughtful and detailed account of how engaging with art impacts our everyday lives. With real world examples and a critical eye toward the empirical evidence, this book shows not only does appreciating and making art matter but it benefits us all.’

Jennifer E. Drake - Brooklyn College, City University of New York