Arthur Danto

Arthur Danto (1924-2013) was an American art critic and philosopher who served as a professor at Columbia University and art critic for The Nation magazine. He is most recognized for his work in aesthetics and art criticism, particularly his theories about the end of art and his definition of art. Danto developed influential concepts like the "artworld" and wrote extensively about how context and theory are essential to understanding what constitutes art. His seminal 1964 essay "The Artworld" introduced key ideas about how art is defined by its historical and theoretical framework rather than any intrinsic physical properties. His book "The Transfiguration of the Commonplace" (1981) remains one of the most significant works in contemporary aesthetics, exploring how ordinary objects can become art through their context and meaning. After encountering Andy Warhol's Brillo Box exhibition in 1964, Danto developed his theory about the philosophical nature of art, which would influence his writing throughout his career. A prolific writer and respected voice in both philosophy and art criticism, Danto authored numerous books including "After the End of Art" (1997) and "What Art Is" (2013). His work continues to influence discussions about the nature of art and aesthetic theory in contemporary discourse.

Readers praise Danto's ability to make complex philosophical ideas accessible while still maintaining intellectual rigor. Multiple reviewers note his clear explanations of art theory concepts through concrete examples. What readers liked: - Clear writing style that breaks down difficult concepts - Use of real art examples to illustrate theoretical points - Deep analysis that changes how readers view and think about art - Balance of academic depth with readability What readers disliked: - Dense academic language in some sections - Repetitive arguments across different works - Some find his "end of art" thesis unconvincing - Philosophy background needed for full comprehension From Goodreads: "The Transfiguration of the Commonplace" - 4.1/5 (789 ratings) "After the End of Art" - 3.9/5 (912 ratings) "What Art Is" - 3.8/5 (456 ratings) Amazon reviews average 4.2/5 across his works, with readers frequently commenting on his "lucid explanations" and "thought-provoking analysis," though some note his writing can be "unnecessarily complex."

Nietzsche as Philosopher (1965) A systematic analysis of Nietzsche's philosophical ideas, examining his concepts of eternal recurrence, perspectivism, and the will to power.

Analytical Philosophy of History (1965) An exploration of historical explanation and the nature of historical knowledge through the lens of analytical philosophy.

The Transfiguration of the Commonplace (1981) A philosophical investigation into the nature of art, introducing the concept of the "artworld" and examining what distinguishes art from non-art objects.

Narration and Knowledge (1985) An examination of the relationship between historical understanding and narrative structure in historical writing.

The Philosophical Disenfranchisement of Art (1986) An analysis of how philosophy has historically approached and attempted to define art, often to art's detriment.

The State of the Art (1987) A collection of art criticism essays examining contemporary art movements and artists from the 1980s.

Encounters and Reflections: Art in the Historical Present (1990) A compilation of art criticism pieces focusing on significant artists and exhibitions from 1981-1990.

Beyond the Brillo Box: The Visual Arts in Post-Historical Perspective (1992) An examination of how contemporary art has moved beyond traditional boundaries and definitions.

After the End of Art (1997) A discussion of art's development after modernism and the philosophical implications of contemporary art practices.

The Madonna of the Future: Essays in a Pluralistic Art World (2000) A collection of essays addressing various aspects of contemporary art and its relationship to historical traditions.

The Abuse of Beauty (2003) An analysis of beauty's role in art and its relationship to contemporary artistic practice.

Andy Warhol (2009) A philosophical examination of Warhol's work and its impact on art history and theory.

What Art Is (2013) A culminating work presenting Danto's definition of art and his views on artistic meaning and interpretation.

Nelson Goodman wrote extensively on aesthetics and the philosophy of art, developing theories about symbolic systems and representation. His work "Languages of Art" explores similar questions to Danto about the nature and definition of art.

Richard Wollheim focused on the intersection of aesthetics, psychoanalysis, and the philosophy of mind. His concept of "seeing-in" and analysis of pictorial representation complement Danto's inquiries into artistic interpretation.

George Dickie developed the institutional theory of art and wrote about aesthetic attitudes and evaluation. His work on defining art through social institutions provides a different perspective from Danto's approach while addressing similar fundamental questions.

Noël Carroll writes about philosophy of art, film theory, and media. His work on mass art and the ontology of art forms builds upon and sometimes challenges Danto's ideas about the end of art history.

Joseph Margolis examines cultural interpretation and the nature of art objects as culturally emergent entities. His writings on relativism and interpretation in art criticism engage with many of the same problems Danto addressed in his philosophical work.