The Transfiguration of the Commonplace

Rating:
Summary: Transfiguration of aesthetics!!
Review: Defining art has been one of the most persistent problems of aesthetics. Danto does not surrender under the Wittgnesteinian skepticism but tries to find the answer to the problem of definition from a different place. Danto emphasizes the relevance of context and historicality of art. The Brillo Box could not have been a work of art in 18th century France.

I think philosophers haven't still quite understood Danto completely. The main source of misunderstanding is that people seem to think that Danto supports the institutional theory of art, which he doesn't. This will become very apparent after reading this book. He barely mentions the word artworld in this book.

This book is a classic. It's fun to read and Danto's knowledge of the history of art is huge. I would like to translate this book into Finnish but unfortunately the title cannot be traslated fluently.

Rating:
Summary: Study of Aesthetics
Review: For any scholar of aesthetics or modern art theory this book isa must. It only falls short in establishing a general theory of art that is applicable to all art forms (such as architecture and music), which Danto claims to be doing (but who has not?). Still, his insight remains crucial to understanding art forms and their meaning in the 20th century.

Rating:
Summary: The best attempt yet at a definitional theory of art.
Review: One of the best philosophical works of the latter 20th century. Ranks alongside Goodman's 'Fact, Fiction and Forecast'. Of interest not merely to philosophers of aesthetics but also to anyone interested in problems of representation and ontology. A must for any serious student of the arts.