Examining the controversy surrounding Marcel Duchamp's urinal submission, defining the nature of art and the challenges in defining works of art, exploring different senses of the word 'art' and theories of art, discussing explicative definitions and historical theories of art, and arguing for a network of overlapping similarities in defining art.
According to the institutional theory of art, the status of an artwork as art is determined by its place in an institutional framework.
The aesthetic theory of art focuses on artworks being created with the intention of providing an aesthetic experience.
Deep dives
The Nature of Art: Definitions and Theories
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the nature of art, particularly focusing on definitions and theories of art. One theory discussed is the institutional theory of art, proposed by George Dickey, which argues that an artwork is an artifact whose aspects have been conferred the status of being candidates for appreciation by someone acting on behalf of the art world. Another theory explored is the aesthetic theory of art, put forth by Monroe Beardsley, which proposes that an artwork is something produced with the intention of providing an aesthetic experience. Finally, the historical theory of art, championed by Gerald Levinson, suggests that an artwork is an object that is non-passingly intended by a person or persons with proprietary rights over it to be regarded in ways in which previous works of art have been correctly or standardly regarded. The episode also touches on the skepticism surrounding the project of defining art, inspired by Wittgenstein's concept of family resemblances and the argument by Morris Vites that no single condition is necessary or sufficient for something to be considered art.
The Institutional Theory of Art
One theory of art discussed in the podcast is the institutional theory proposed by George Dickey. According to this theory, an artwork is an artifact whose aspects have been given the status of being candidates for appreciation by someone acting on behalf of the art world. The artwork's place in an institutional framework determines its status as art. Dickey argues that the framework and institutional contexts in which the artwork is presented are crucial in defining it as art.
The Aesthetic Theory of Art
Another theory of art explored in the podcast is the aesthetic theory proposed by Monroe Beardsley. According to this theory, an artwork is something created with the intention of providing an aesthetic experience. The focus is on the capacity of the artwork to satisfy the aesthetic interest, which involves characteristics such as freedom from concerns outside the object, intense affect detached from practical ends, and the sense of exercising powers of discovery and self-integration. Beardsley acknowledges that his theory may not apply to all problematic cases, but argues that it captures the essence of distinguishing art objects based on the aesthetic experience they offer.
The Historical Theory of Art
Gerald Levinson's historical theory of art is also discussed in the podcast. This theory suggests that an artwork is an object intended by someone with proprietary rights over it to be regarded in ways that previous works of art have been correctly or standardly regarded. The historical context and the intentions of the artist play a vital role in determining whether something qualifies as art. This theory emphasizes the relationship between the artwork and the artistic traditions and practices that have come before it.
