The Philosophy of Art: An Introduction

by Theodore Gracyk

"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 cliches 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.

Genres: Philosophy

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2011

Reviews

[Brian Hutzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an accessible overview of the philosophy or art. Gracyk takes a broad view, bringing in many branches of visual and performing arts, mentioning along the way everyone from Plato to The Clash. I find philosophy fascinating, and I have spent long hours musing over questions like: What is art? What differentiates good from bad art? Must art have an audience? At the same time, I agree with the character Lara in Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago when she says, “I think philosophy should be used sparingly as a seasoning for art and life. To be preoccupied with it alone is the same as eating horseradish by itself.”

[Frederic De meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't aware of any distinction between continental European en British philosophy until reading this book. Apparently there is a difference in both the subject of investigation and the way they are being investigated. The choice of subjects are much more 'down to earth', the method much more pragmatic with British philosophers (judging from this book).

The beauty of this is that they venture into other sources of knowledge (psychology, economy etc). The downside, as far as I'm concerned, is that some lines of thinking loose touch with philosophy altogether.

I learned a lot in this book, though I must admit I skipped a number of paragraphs in the process...

[Neil Mehta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a philosophy professor, but I'm not especially familiar with philosophy of art, so I picked up this book to learn more. I was very interested in the topics discussed, and Gracyk provides a lot of interesting examples and ideas for the reader to reflect on. However, his writing is *maddeningly* imprecise. Sometimes he gives one official definition of a thesis but uses three other definitions in his discussion. At other times he uses technical terms with no explanation at all. And his reconstructions of various influential philosophical arguments are often very sloppy -- he leaves out key premises and gets many important details wrong. So my final reaction is very mixed.

[Reid Page-McTurner · Rating 2 out of 5]

WOW this was immensely boring

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it for a Philosophy of Art class. It was good, more than adequate for the course.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

ISU: Philosophy of Art