Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Introduction: The Modern Conception of Art Part One 1. The Quest for the Essence of Art 2. Wittgensteinian Philosophies of Art 3. Art as History and Theory 4. The Histories of Philosophy 5. Conceptions of History Part Two 6. Art and Science 7. New Discoursive Practices 8. Art, Manners, and the Presentation of the Self 9. Standards of Taste 10. Shaftesbury and the Morality of Art Appreciation 11. The Reformation of Manners 12. Politeness 13. Hutcheson and the Problem of Conspicuous Consumption 14. From the Morality to the Autonomy of Art 15. Art, Autonomy, and Ideology Notes References Index

Reviews

"Mortensen's work makes a compelling case for the need to develop a properly historical approach to art. He also argues persuasively that although many philosophers have come to recognize this need, the proposed theories have yet to meet it. The historical chapters in Mortensen's study clearly reveal the particular social underpinnings of many recent aesthetic theories. In addition, Mortensen's historicist approach allows him to call seriously into question certain received notions, such as the idea that distinctions between high and low culture emerge only in the twentieth century. In short, Mortensen clearly situates his argument in relation to ongoing debates about the nature of art. He demonstrates clearly that his proposed alternative has definite payoffs." - Mette Hjort, McGill University "The best thing about this book in my eyes is its historical investigation of a philosophical issue (the nature of art). I believe that this represents the only path to progress in the field of aesthetics; Preben Mortensen's work will be a real contribution to this field." - Paul Mattick, Adelphi University