The Definition of Art and Institutional Analysis

🎨Art is defined as an artifact that has been conferred the status of a candidate for appreciation by the art world.

🏛️The art world, as an atmosphere and network, confers the status of art on certain things and practices.

🔍Institutional actors, such as artists, confer the status of art on artifacts, making them candidates for appreciation.

🌌Appreciation refers to finding qualities in a work of art that are worthy or valuable, whether in aesthetic or other respects.

🤝Conferring the status of art can be done by a single person, often the artist, acting on behalf of the art world.

What is the definition of art according to Jorge Dickey?

—Art is an artifact that has been conferred the status of a candidate for appreciation by the art world.

Who confers the status of art on an artifact?

—Institutional actors, such as artists, confer the status of art on artifacts, making them candidates for appreciation.

Is every aspect of a work of art included in its candidacy for appreciation?

—No, not every aspect of a work of art is included in its candidacy for appreciation. There are aspects that can be appreciated and others that are not of concern.

Can something be considered art if it cannot be appreciated?

—According to Dickey, if something cannot be appreciated, it cannot become art. However, he argues that almost anything can be appreciated if one makes an effort to focus attention on its qualities.

Who confers the status of art on an artifact?

—The status of art can be conferred by a single person, often the artist, acting on behalf of the art world.

00:00Dr. Gregory Sadler introduces the video and discusses his role as a philosophy educator.

00:53The video explores the definition of art and institutional analysis proposed by Jorge Dickey.

01:25Dickey's definition of art states that it is an artifact that has been conferred the status of a candidate for appreciation by the art world.

04:14Dickey further explains the four notions involved in his definition - acting on behalf of an institution, conferring status, being a candidate for appreciation, and appreciation.

09:26Dickey discusses how anyone can confer the status of being a candidate for appreciation, making almost anything a work of art.