The philosophy of taste, or the study of aesthetics, is an area of philosophy that has captivated thinkers for centuries. Some synonyms that can be used instead of "philosophy of taste" include "aesthetics," "aesthetic theory," and "the study of beauty." Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of beauty, art, and taste, including the creation and appreciation of beauty. Aesthetic theory, on the other hand, is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of aesthetic experience and the ways in which people judge objects of beauty. The study of beauty and its relation to artworks can be referred to as "the study of aesthetics".