The opposite of aestheticism is often considered to be utilitarianism. Aestheticism emphasizes beauty and sensory experience as the highest values, focusing on art for art’s sake without regard to moral, political, or practical considerations. In contrast, utilitarianism prioritizes practicality and usefulness, proposing that the value of an action or object is determined by its ability to produce good outcomes or serve a functional purpose.
This philosophical divide illustrates how aestheticism seeks to elevate art and beauty while utilitarianism evaluates life’s elements based on their effectiveness and contribution to overall happiness. While these viewpoints may coexist, they represent fundamentally different approaches to how we perceive and value art and experiences in our lives.