The thematic focus of this issue of "Aisthesis" stems from the awareness of the multitude of concerns that the concept of landscape brings into play - concerns which seldom, if ever, combine into a harmonious synthesis or promise any definitive resolution. Rather than offering a pragmatic search for simple or conciliatory solutions, contemporary landscape aesthetics positions itself as an interdisciplinary field that critically engages with a wide array of social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental issues.