Crossword Genius

These cats I sculpted for art theory (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aesthetics

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'art theory' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'these cats i sculpted' is the wordplay.
'sculpted' indicates an anagram.
'these'+'cats'+'i'='thesecatsi'
'thesecatsi' anagrammed gives 'AESTHETICS'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aesthetics that I've seen before include "Principles of taste & art" , "Philosophy of the fine arts" .)

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