Aesthetics: A Reader in Philosophy of the Arts

by David Goldblatt (Editor), Lee B. Brown

This anthology reverses gives special attention to popular arts as to the so-called fine arts. This book has a huge number of selections. The book divides articles into sections according to specific arts, while also providing sections on classical and contemporary sources regarding the arts in general. As with the first edition, this book also brings together readings in continental and analytic philosophy. It also contains helpful introductions by the editors for each section, as well as a useful general introduction. Readings are separated into the following sections: painting, photography and film, architecture, music, dance, literature, performance, mass and popular art, classic sources, and contemporary sources. An interesting collection of readings for anyone interested in the philosophy behind the works of art that can be viewed in museums, on film, through music, dance, and architecture.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Essays, Art

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

David Goldblatt is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Denison University.

Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good selection of essays that discusses every form of art imaginable. It includes classic and contemporary sources.

[Jakub Choma]

The classical sources I enjoyed The most and they are great, even though at times cut short. The introductions to the individual artforms are great but The texts chosen within them long after due. In the current art conversation a lot of them are simply unneeded. They were against the popular opinion in the past and their relevancy doesnt hold as We have already gone further with aesthetic objectivity. Platos works seem very weird without context. Stick to classical sources and also Nietzsche, Foucault, Danto, Heidegger, Freud, Nehamas, Langer, Goodman. And definitely read Susan Sontag. For everything else I recommend looking into individual artforms and artists. I personally also really enjoy the simplicity of John Berger for absolute beginners.

[fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid source for heavy hitting philosophical excerpts regarding aesthetics. It has most of the classics as well as sections pertaining to architecture, dance, music, Chinese poetry etc.