Derek Matravers introduces students to the philosophy of art through a close examination of eight famous works of twentieth-century art. Each work has been selected in order to best illustrate and illuminate a particular problem in aesthetics. Each artwork forms a basis for a single chapter and readers are introduced to such issues as artistic value, intention, interpretation, and expression through a careful analysis of the artwork. Questions considered include what does art mean in contemporary art practice? Is the artistic value of a painting the same as how much you like it? If a painting isn't of anything, then how do we understand it? Can art be immoral? By grounding abstract and theoretical discussion in real examples the book provides an excellent way into the subject for readers new to the philosophical dimension of art appreciation.

About the Author
Derek Matravers is Professor of Philosophy at the Open University and a Bye-Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge.


Book Information
ISBN 9781844655373
Author Derek Matravers
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint Acumen Publishing Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 317g