The Philosophy of Art is a highly accessible introduction tocurrent key issues and debates in aesthetics and philosophy of art.Chapters on standard topics are balanced by topics of interest totoday's students, including creativity, authenticity, culturalappropriation, and the distinction between popular and fine art.Other topics include emotive expression, pictorial representation,definitional strategies, and artistic value. Presupposing no priorknowledge of philosophy, Theodore Gracyk draws on three decades ofteaching 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 thefield, yet historical figures are not neglected. Major currenttheories 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 basisfor further reflection and discussion. Key ideas are immediatelyaccompanied by exercises that will test students' reactions andunderstanding. Many chapters call attention to ideology,prejudices, and common clichés that interfere with clearthinking.
Beautifully written and thoroughly comprehensive, ThePhilosophy of Art is the ideal resource for anyone who wants toexplore recent developments in philosophical thinking about thearts. It is also provides the perfect starting point for anyone whowants to reflect on, and challenge, their own assumptions about thenature and value of art.
