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.‎

• Author‎:‎ Theodore Gracyk
• Publisher‎:‎ Polity Press
• ISBN‎:‎ 9780745649160