Module 1-2

Question 0

Instrumental theory of art

Answer 0

Instrumental = a tool for something

What is art being used for? Why do we look at it?
Arts role for the individual: pleasure, humanity, empathy, enlightenment,transformation, etc

Arts role for community and society: social function/responsibility

Arts role in culture/cultural history: artifact or record of our time for future generations benefit
Enjoyment (beauty = aesthetics)
Art being a mirror for reflection/representation, a window to see the world, and an alternative to our reality

Question 1

Behavioral theory of art

Answer 1

Why do we do art?
Instinctual - experience, expression, communication
Motivated - communicate an idea/emotion, seeking entertainment, political/social functions

Question 2

Institutional definition of art (George Dickie)

Answer 2

1. artist (participates with understanding)
2. work of art (created to be presented)
3. public (prepared in some degree to understand)
4. artworld (totality of all artworld systems)
5. artworld system (framework for the presentation)

Creates a dialogue around the art, this dialogue is what defines art as such

Question 3

The artworld

Answer 3

The totality of all artworld systems

Question 4

Arthur Danto

Answer 4

Art critic/theorist: defines art by the value that is places on the work by the context

Question 5

Aesthetics

Answer 5

Visual appearance