Distance as constitutive of aesthetic experience: A rereading of Aristotle and Burke

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of distance as a constitutive mechanism in aesthetic experience, focusing on Aristotle’s notion of catharsis and Burke’s theory of the sublime. By examining how temporal and perceptual separation mediates emotions such as pity, fear, and terror, I argue that distance is not a passive buffer but an active agent in transforming raw affect into ethical, cognitive, and aesthetic meaning. Through a comparative rereading of classical and early modern frameworks, the paper illuminates the ways in which structured mediation allows audiences to engage intensely with negative emotions by drawing upon contemporary interpretations, including Konstan and Halliwell. The paper demonstrates how temporal and perceptual mediation transforms overwhelming emotions into intelligible, meaningful experiences. This comparative analysis reconceptualises distance as a multidimensional mechanism, bridging affective intensity with cognitive and moral comprehension, and highlights its enduring relevance in discussions of tragedy, terror, and the sublime. Ultimately, the aim is to point to a nuanced understanding of how structured mediation shapes the reception and ethical resonance of powerful emotional content in art.