To define art or not: objections to the thesis of the impossibility of defining art and the theoretical perspectives after Morris Weitz

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2178-0447.ars.2018.131879

Keywords:

art theory, definition of art, family resemblance, contemporary art

Abstract

This paper analyzes Morris Weitz’s claim that art cannot possibly be defined in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions. Weitz argues that aesthetic theories, since they seek a definition that captures the essence of art, attempt to define what cannot be defined. This paper demonstrates that Weitz’s argument, which is centered on the use of the concept of art as an open concept and on the analysis of the extension of the term “art,” is refuted by objections that involve the notion of family resemblance. In addition, this paper points out two perspectives regarding the debate as to whether art can be defined: one that retakes Weitz’s position, and another that proposes definitions in terms denied by him. 

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Author Biography

  • Rosi Leny Morokawa, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

    Doutoranda no Programa de Pós-Graduação Lógica e Matafísica da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, pelo qual desenvolve pesquisa sobre Experiência Estética. Mestrado sobre definição estética de arte pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Filosofia da Universidade Federal do Paraná e graduação em Filosofia pela mesma instituição. Especialização em História Social da Arte pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. 

     

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Published

2018-12-23

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 34 (2018)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Morokawa, R. L. (2018). To define art or not: objections to the thesis of the impossibility of defining art and the theoretical perspectives after Morris Weitz. ARS, 16(34), 95-113. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2178-0447.ars.2018.131879