Cite as the guiding principal of taste (9)

I believe the answer is:

aesthetic

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'taste' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'cite as the guiding principal' is the wordplay.
'cite as the' can be anagrammed to 'AESTHETIC'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aesthetic that I've seen before include "Of pleasing appearance" , "Concerned with the appreciation of beauty" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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