Philosophies of Arts: An Essay in Differences

Philosophies of Arts: An Essay in Differences

by PeterKivy (Author)

Synopsis

Since the beginning of the eighteenth century the philosophy of art has been engaged on the project of trying to find out what the fine arts have in common and, thus, how they might be defined. Peter Kivy's purpose in this accessible and lucid book is to trace the history of that enterprise and argue that the definitional project has been unsuccessful. He offers a fruitful change of strategy: instead of engaging in an obsessive quest for sameness, let us explore the differences between the arts. He presents five case studies, three from literature, two from music. With its combination of historical and analytic approaches this is a book for a wide range of readers in philosophy, literary studies, music, and non-academic readers with interests in the arts.

$45.26

Quantity

10 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 260
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 13 Jun 1997

ISBN 10: 052159829X
ISBN 13: 9780521598293

Media Reviews
Peter Kivy's book is an extraordinary work that combines a great depth of scholarship and forceful philosophical analysis and argument with a rich variety of engaging illustrations from the world of fine and literary arts. He not only provides the reader with a detailed historical analysis of the history of aesthetics from Plato to Danto and Walton, but in his pursuit of the differences between the arts, introduces a novel and compelling approach that will no doubt influence current debates. This work will be especially helpful to both professionals and advanced students of aesthetics. Mark Starr, Review of Metaphysics
There are few writers on philosophical aesthetics who are such a pleasure to read as Peter Kivy, so a new book by him is always reason for celebration...his book is always fresh and combative, analytic philosophy of art at its best. The Philosophical Review