This treatise on aesthetics begins by showing that the word "art" is used as a name not only for "art proper" but also for certain things which are "art falsely so called." These are craft or skill, magic, and amusement, each of which, by confusion with art proper, generates a false aesthetic theory. In the course of attacking these theories the author criticizes various psychological theories of art, offers a new theory of magic, and reinterprets Plato's so-called "attack on art," showing that it has been entirely misunderstood. Finally, he draws important inferences concerning the position of art in human society.

About the Author
R. G. Collingwood (1889-1943), philosopher and historian, was Waynflete Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy, Oxford University. One of the most learned men of his generation, he had a remarkable breadth of interest and knowledge and originiality of mind. He is the author of many notable books, including The Idea of History, An Autobiography, Essay on Metaphysics, Essay on Philosophical Method, The Idea of Nature, The New Leviathan, Speculum Mentis: or The Map of KNowledge, and with J. N. L. Myres, Roman Britain and the English Settlements in the Oxford Hitsory of England series.

Reviews
"Collingwood is as insightful as ever; his observations and arguments have lost no validity since Principles was published."--Philip Chandler, College of St. Thomas More "Without being pedantic, Collingwood is factual and precise; both his structure and facade are built up of thousands of details, and the whole forms an integrity, a synthesis, the product of an ordered mind which puts everything in its place."--John Cournos, The New York Times



Book Information
ISBN 9780195002096
Author R. G. Collingwood
Format Paperback
Page Count 364
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 427g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 135mm * 18mm