A concepção de fim da arte em Arthur Danto

Abstract

This article seeks to analyse some of the ideas related to the end of art, elaborated by the American philosopher Arthur Danto. The situation that contemporary art has been delineating according to such ideas compels us to initially question the scope and extent of Danto's conception. Is it possible to sustain the idea of an end, even if this end is more directly linked to the theoretical, aesthetic, or philosophical field, and not to the practical field of artistic creation? Furthermore, we shall analyse the understandings that this philosopher presents when seeking to distinguish art objects from common objects, generally of utilitarian function, that are part of our daily lives. The question to be investigated in this case aims to determine whether our senses are capable of identifying specific differences that can provide us with sufficient elements to classify works of art that appropriate ordinary objects (ready-made). What, therefore, would be the most appropriate methodology to distinguish objects chosen by artists and presented as works of art in museums or galleries, compared to other identical objects with which we coexist daily? Would these objects be indiscernible from each other, or do perceptible differences exist between them? These are the general lines of inquiry and analysis that we will develop here.