The development of civilisation is largely driven by art. The power of art can be harnessed to influence the establishment or to inspire foreigners to accept a new culture. It has been an important force in the fight against intolerance, racism, and other forms of unjust societal segregation. Art is often difficult to comprehend without understanding its cultural context. Art has the unique power to move people and evoke new questions, excitement, and curiosity.
Philosophers have long debated the nature of art. Perhaps the most fundamental question in aesthetic philosophy is, “What is art?” This question hints at the essential nature of art and its social significance. Many definitions fall into one of three broad categories:
One of the most influential definitions of art is offered by Arthur Danto (1961), a influential critic for the Nation. The term “artworld” is derived from his definition of a work of art. A work of art must have a subject, style, and engagement with the audience, in addition to being in an art historical context. In short, art is anything that makes us feel, think, or behave in a particular way.
The word “art” itself has many meanings. For many, it means a craft or a skill that you could practice and become a master of. It used to have special symbolism for the time, but during Romanticism, the term “art” began to mean something else: originality. This quest for originality led to a revaluation of art and the artist. Modern art is an excellent example of the evolution of the world, revealing how our society has evolved over time.
The term “fine art” has several meanings. In the western world, it refers to a type of artwork that is both beautiful and functional. Sculpture is one example of a piece of art with a utilitarian purpose. It is often publicly accessible, with many famous works in major cities around the world. Some renowned modern architects have taken on private residence projects. It is important to realize that architecture has a practical function, and not all buildings are fine sculpture.
Eldridge’s aesthetic definition says that art must satisfy an appropriateness of content and form. Aesthetic properties have an evaluative component, which involves the perception of formal base properties. Consequently, an individual is a member of the artworld if she identifies herself as a member of it. That may sound like an overly simplistic way to distinguish between art and commerce. However, if we can define art according to aesthetic properties, then it becomes possible to establish the distinction between art and commerce.