Customer Reviews

The Transfiguration of the Commonplace: A Philosophy of Art

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

"One of the most philosophically interesting books to date in the philosophy of art.
Concerned with defining 'work of art' ...

Danto demonstrates an enviable breadth of KNOWLEDGE IN BOTH PHILOSOPHY AND ART HISTORY.
The result is a volume that is certain to be at the center of discussion in this area in the coming years."
---Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism
[from the book of the back cover]

I found this book very difficult to read. The sentences are very long and the vocabulary is high up there, especially for those who aren't philosophy majors. Some of his ideas are interesting, but I don't think he needed to write a book this thick to illustrate them. If you are a person who hates those who don't get to the point, then you'll hate this book. Unfortunately, if you have this text required for class, you will have to buy it. None of its text is available online even in the online libraries. There are also no study notes that I know of that is available on the web.