The Philosophy of Art

“This is a first-rate introduction to the maze of debates that has been constructed around art. This book is an outstanding achievement in pedagogical clarity and philosophical argument, and certainly is worth reading by students who seek an introduction to philosophy of art as well as by professionals who look for a well-argued commentary.” (Philosophy In Review)

"This book is an outstanding achievement in pedagogical clarity and philosophical argument, and certainly is worth reading by students who seek an introduction to philosophy of art as well as by professionals who look for a well-argued commentary on...the key issues in the field. Without hesitation I recommend it to all."
–Thomas Heyd, Philosophy in Review

“A judicious and wide-ranging introduction to contemporary philosophy of art by one of its foremost practitioners. Davies’s book is notable for emphasizing both the biological and cultural dimensions of artmaking, for regularly keeping in view non-Western as well as Western modes of art, and for an exemplary degree of clarity and reader-friendliness.”
–Jerrold Levinson, University of Maryland

“Davies has contributed to almost every debate in contemporary philosophy of art. Clearly written, with intriguing examples, this book brings readers to the cutting edge of every core topic in aesthetics.”
–Dominic McIver Lopes, University of British Columbia

“This book sets a new standard for introductory books in aesthetics and philosophy of art. Brief but knowledgeable descriptions of examples show how philosophical questions arise and illustrate how various views might be challenged. Technical terms function as tools, not burdens. Applications and connections sections at the end of each chapter raise readers’ interest and show how much more there is to the issues discussed. Davies’s book is a pleasure to read and manages to enliven both philosophy and the way we think about the arts in general.”
–Susan Feagin, Temple University

"In the first volume in the new Foundations of the Philosophy of the Arts series by Blackwell, which is designed to provide crisp introductions to the fundamental general questions about art, as well as to questions about the several arts, Davies presents an insightful introduction to central topics and on-going debates in the philosophy of art."
–Pavel Sedlak, Centre for Arts and New Technologies in Praque