The foundations of aesthetics, the arts, and art education have been re-examined in recent years in light of the resurgence of scientific aesthetics as a research discipline; the development of contemporary cognitive science encompassing aspects of computer science, psychology, philosphy, linguistics, and so on; and the advances of neuroscience.

The exceptional importance of the Ceci et al. study for the debate over tenure is noted, particularly the perceived importance of academic rank relative to tenure status. Beyond the significance of academic freedom lie important issues of the costs and benefits of tenure that now need to be addressed in equally rigorous research involving extensive, detailed consideration of actual cases. (Published Online February 8 2007).