Analysis Of The Neo-Wittgensteinian Theory Of Art

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Among the many theories of art that have emerged over time, the theory I will defend in this paper is the Neo-Wittgensteinian theory of Art. I will defend this view against the following (two) objections: a) The “open concept” idea of art is too expansive, and b) the “family resemblance” theory of artworks is also too expansive.
The Neo-Wittgensteinian theory of Art has been modeled mainly after the ideologies and teachings of Ludwig Wittgenstein, a philosopher and logician from Austria. Much of his work focuses on the validity of the use of language, which is applied to the argument I made in this paper. His language-games theory of “private language” can extend its argument to the study of aesthetics (“Individual Philosopher Philosophy”). …show more content…

In her book, Tiziana Andina states that family resemblance offers a good way to distinguish art from non- art without the need to rely upon a definition (107). The family resemblance theory allows for a wide variety of pieces, none of which have identical properties, to still be considered as artwork. There are major differences between classical art and the modern, contemporary art. However, both are still considered art. Art is comprised of an array of disciplines. The various forms of Art (as of today) include Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Decorative Arts, Applied Arts, Design, Crafts, and Performing Arts, etc. (“Meaning and Definition of Art”). Although none of the forms of Art require the exact same skill set to partake in, all of them require skills that are in common with some of the other …show more content…

Although other urinals are not considered to be artworks, Du Champ simply claimed an already made “Fountain Urinal” as a work of art, and it became so. Just because an object is mass-produced does not take away its qualities, nor does it disqualify the object from being a work of art. Creating an artwork requires the application of thought and skill, and anything that is produced by the human effort can qualify as a work of art. Of course, there is good art and bad art. Also, as I stated before, I believe that just because something can qualify as an artwork does not mean it is so. It just means that the object/piece in question is up for debate and may possess the qualities one might consider for it to become

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