Borders of Art Criticism and Philosophy of Art in the Thought of Arthur Danto

Danto’s philosophical approach determines his methodical and theoretical discipline in philosophy of art and aesthetics. To start understanding his theories and philosophical thoughts, it is better first to ask what his understanding of philosophy is and what method he offers for philosophical investigation. Since Danto has written independent works in the realm, understanding his philosophical concerns about art involves the explanation of his general philosophical ideas. If his philosophy of art bears any innovation and unique treatment of art and representation, then it’s inevitable to fully understand his basic and rudimentary concepts on which his whole philosophy is constructed. Furthermore, and through investigating his basic concepts, one can find Danto’s general approach and conceptions. Contemporary art after the decline of modern art challenges Danto’s thoughts. As Danto puts it, contemporary art is nowadays connected to consciousness more than any other time. Danto puts forward a new approach in philosophy of art and art criticism based on his method of philosophical investigation. His specific methodology and philosophy of art will be discussed here in this article and their differences will be clarified. Meanwhile, it is discussed that, according to Danto, examining the condition of contemporary art and its status in history of art is one of the dominant issues in philosophy of art and art criticism.