A theory of aesthetics should explain why I like the things I like, but cannot claim that I *should* like something, as this is arbitrary.
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If a theory claims I should like something that I don't in fact like, or vice versa, then the theory fails to correspond to reality.
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Aesthetics is, and can only be, a post facto explanation of preferences which already exist.
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what if I have preferences about my preferences, i.e. I want to like something because it makes the self more elegant?
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What if one believes they should like X, but can not actually enjoy X no matter how hard they try?
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some are irreconcilable without meta: let's say I love the taste of meat but am ethically absolutely opposed to eating it
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I'd say that you still love the taste of meat aesthetically, and your ethical stance against it doesn't change that
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The complicating factor is that your preferences can and do fundamentally change over time. But still holds for small intervals