Richard Viladesau is one of the masters of the field of theological aesthetics. His work has centered on philosophical theology, in particular the question of how we know God — and really how we know anything. He is interested too in the concept of revelation, both in Christian and non-Christian traditions. In recent years he has become known primarily for his contributions to the field of aesthetics, theoretical and historical. He has been on the faculty of Fordham University since 1988, and is author of numerous important books, including a monumental five-volume series with Oxford University Press, on how the passion of Christ is depicted in the arts.  Our conversation goes many fascinating places, including a broad expansion of what “aesthetics” actually is.