The Philosophy of Art An Introduction

by Gracyk, Theodore

• ISBN13: 9780745649160
• ISBN10: 0745649165
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-12-12
• Publisher: Polity

Summary

The Philosophy of Art is a highly accessible introduction to current key issues and debates in aesthetics and philosophy of art. Chapters on standard topics are balanced by topics of interest to today's students, including creativity, authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the distinction between popular and fine art. Other topics include emotive expression, pictorial representation, definitional strategies, and artistic value. Presupposing no prior knowledge of philosophy, Theodore Gracyk draws on three decades of teaching experience to provide a balanced and engaging overview, clear explanations, and many thought-provoking examples. All chapters have a strong focus on current debates in the field, yet historical figures are not neglected. Major current theories are set beside key ideas from Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Marx, and Hegel. Chapters conclude with advice on further readings, and there are recommendations of films that will serve as a basis for further reflection and discussion. Key ideas are immediately accompanied by exercises that will test students' reactions and understanding. Many chapters call attention to ideology, prejudices, and common clichés that interfere with clear thinking. Beautifully written and thoroughly comprehensive, The Philosophy of Art is the ideal resource for anyone who wants to explore recent developments in philosophical thinking about the arts. It is also provides the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to reflect on, and challenge, their own assumptions about the nature and value of art.

Author Biography

Theodore Gracyk is Department Chair and Professor of Philosophy at Minnesota State University

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Meaning, Interpretation, and Picturing	p. 1
Visual representations and pictures	p. 2
Theories of picturing	p. 4
Intentions and transparency in pictures and photographs	p. 12
Indiscernible counterparts	p. 14
Fine art	p. 18
Art as Expression	p. 22
Overview of expression theories	p. 22
Tolstoy's account of expressive art	p. 25
Collingwood's account of expressive art	p. 28
The expressive persona	p. 32
Expression as arousal	p. 34
Revising the arousal theory	p. 36
Expression as cognitive recognition	p. 39
Meaning and Creativity	p. 42
Plato on creativity	p. 42
Kant on genius	p. 44
Metaphorical exemplification	p. 47
Hegel and Marx	p. 51
Material bases of creativity	p. 54
Feminism and creativity	p. 57
Fakes, Originals, and Ontology	p. 62
Multiple and singular	p. 62
Abstract objects	p. 64
Problems and implications	p. 66
Fakes and originals	p. 70
Objections and alternatives	p. 75
Authenticity and Cultural Origins	p. 82
Two kinds of contextualism	p. 83
Four kinds of appropriation	p. 87
Moral concerns	p. 90
Culture	p. 93
Cultural authenticity	p. 96
Modernity and authenticity	p. 99
Defining Art	p. 103
Philosophical definition	p. 103
Historical background	p. 105
Functional definitions	p. 107
Institutional definitions	p. 110
Historical definitions	p. 114
The cluster account	p. 117
Aesthetics	p. 123
Aesthetic judgments and properties	p. 123
Supervenience	p. 126
Two complications	p. 128
Aesthetics and nature	p. 129
Formalism and detachment	p. 133
Making special	p. 137
Pleasure and appreciation	p. 139
Beyond the Fine Arts	p. 145
Popular and mass art	p. 146
Standard criticisms of popular art	p. 151
Social consequences of popular culture	p. 155
Gender and race	p. 157
Everyday aesthetics	p. 160
Artistic and Aesthetic Value	p. 165
Three kinds of value	p. 165
The uniqueness thesis	p. 167
Value empiricism	p. 169
Instrumental value	p. 171
An alternative analysis	p. 174
Appreciation	p. 175
Cognitive value	p. 179
Conclusion	p. 135
References	p. 190
Index	p. 200
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