Jane Forsey
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199964369
- eISBN:
- 9780199333233
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199964369.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Aesthetics, General
Chapter One provides an ontology of design that distinguishes it from art and craft as a specific kind of object with unique characteristics. A critical engagement with traditional formalist and ...
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Chapter One provides an ontology of design that distinguishes it from art and craft as a specific kind of object with unique characteristics. A critical engagement with traditional formalist and expression theories of art demonstrate that design cannot be theorized in the same manner as the fine arts, or craft. Design, instead, is primarily functional, meant to be used rather than contemplated, and is distinct from art in particular because of its lack of profundity and originality, or because of its familiarity and quiddity. The properties that characterize design as unique also indicate that it is a candidate for aesthetic appraisal that merits separate attention.Less
Chapter One provides an ontology of design that distinguishes it from art and craft as a specific kind of object with unique characteristics. A critical engagement with traditional formalist and expression theories of art demonstrate that design cannot be theorized in the same manner as the fine arts, or craft. Design, instead, is primarily functional, meant to be used rather than contemplated, and is distinct from art in particular because of its lack of profundity and originality, or because of its familiarity and quiddity. The properties that characterize design as unique also indicate that it is a candidate for aesthetic appraisal that merits separate attention.