Title
What Is Art For?,New
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Every human society displays some form of behavior that can be called 'art,' and in most societies other than our own the arts play an integral part in social life. Those who wish to understand art in its broadest sense, as a universal human endowment, need to go beyond modern Western elitist notions that disregard other cultures and ignore the human species' fourmillionyear evolutionary history.This book offers a new and unprecedentedly comprehensive theory of the evolutionary significance of art. Art, meaning not only visual art, but music, poetic language, dance, and performance, is for the first time regarded from a biobehavioral or ethical viewpoint. It is shown to be a biological necessity in human existence and fundamental characteristic of the human species.In this provocative study, Ellen Dissanayake examines art along with play and ritual as human behaviors that 'make special,' and proposes that making special is an inherited tendency as intrinsic to the human species as speech and toolmaking. She claims that the arts evolved as means of making socially important activities memorable and pleasurable, and thus have been essential to human survival.Avoiding simplism and reductionism, this original synthetic approach permits a fresh look at old questions about the origins, nature, purpose, and value of art. It crosses disciplinary boundaries and integrates a number of divers fields: human ethology; evolutionary biology; the psychology and philosophy of art; physical and cultural anthropology; 'primitive' and prehistoric art; Western cultural history; and children's art. The final chapter, 'From Tradition to Aestheticism,' explores some of the ways in which modern Western society has diverged from other societiesparticularly the type of society in which human beings evolvedand considers the effects of the aberrance on our art and our attitudes toward art.This book is addressed to readers who have a concerned interest in the arts or in human nature and the state of modern society.
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We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the central theme of 'What Is Art For?'? A: The central theme of 'What Is Art For?' is the exploration of art as a fundamental aspect of human existence, examining its evolutionary significance and role in social life across various cultures.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of 'What Is Art For?' is Ellen Dissanayake, who presents a comprehensive theory on the importance of art in human evolution.
- Q: What types of art does the book discuss? A: The book discusses various forms of art, including visual art, music, poetic language, dance, and performance, emphasizing their collective significance in human culture.
- Q: How does the book approach the subject of art? A: The book approaches the subject of art from a biobehavioral and ethical perspective, arguing that art is a biological necessity and an intrinsic characteristic of the human species.
- Q: Is 'What Is Art For?' suitable for readers interested in anthropology? A: Yes, 'What Is Art For?' is suitable for readers interested in anthropology, as it crosses disciplinary boundaries and integrates fields such as cultural anthropology and human ethology.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The publication date of 'What Is Art For?' is September 1, 1988.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 275 pages.
- Q: What binding type is used for this edition? A: This edition of 'What Is Art For?' is available in paperback binding.
- Q: What are the main arguments presented in the final chapter? A: In the final chapter, 'From Tradition to Aestheticism,' the author explores how modern Western society diverges from other cultures, particularly regarding art and societal attitudes toward it.
- Q: Is the book intended for a general audience? A: Yes, the book is intended for a general audience, especially those with a concerned interest in the arts and human nature.