A Realist Theory of Art History

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book A Realist Theory of Art History by Ian Verstegen, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ian Verstegen ISBN: 9781135099626
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 3, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Ian Verstegen
ISBN: 9781135099626
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 3, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

As the theoretical alignments within academia shift, this book introduces a surprising variety of realism to abolish the old positivist-theory dichotomy that has haunted Art History. Demanding frankly the referential detachment of the objects under study, the book proposes a stratified, multi-causal account of art history that addresses postmodern concerns while saving it from its errors of self-refutation. Building from the very basic distinction between intransitive being and transitive knowing, objects can be affirmed as real while our knowledge of them is held to be fallible. Several focused chapters address basic problems while introducing philosophical reflection into art history. These include basic ontological distinctions between society and culture, general and “special” history, the discontinuity of cultural objects, the importance of definition for special history, scales, facets and fiat objects as forms of historical structure, the nature of evidence and proof, historical truth and controversies. Stressing Critical Realism as the stratified, multi-causal approach needed for productive research today in the academy, this book creates the subject of the ontology of art history and sets aside a theoretical space for metaphysical reflection, thus clarifying the usually muddy distinction between theory, methodology, and historiography in art history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

As the theoretical alignments within academia shift, this book introduces a surprising variety of realism to abolish the old positivist-theory dichotomy that has haunted Art History. Demanding frankly the referential detachment of the objects under study, the book proposes a stratified, multi-causal account of art history that addresses postmodern concerns while saving it from its errors of self-refutation. Building from the very basic distinction between intransitive being and transitive knowing, objects can be affirmed as real while our knowledge of them is held to be fallible. Several focused chapters address basic problems while introducing philosophical reflection into art history. These include basic ontological distinctions between society and culture, general and “special” history, the discontinuity of cultural objects, the importance of definition for special history, scales, facets and fiat objects as forms of historical structure, the nature of evidence and proof, historical truth and controversies. Stressing Critical Realism as the stratified, multi-causal approach needed for productive research today in the academy, this book creates the subject of the ontology of art history and sets aside a theoretical space for metaphysical reflection, thus clarifying the usually muddy distinction between theory, methodology, and historiography in art history.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Present Hope by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Comparing autocracies in the early Twenty-first Century by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Muslim Saints and Mystics by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Romantic Comedy by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Education for Wicked Problems and the Reconciliation of Opposites by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Memory Disorders in Clinical Practice by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Reformers, Sport, Modernizers by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Writing for the Green Light by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Outdoor and Experiential Learning by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book The Meanings of Death in Rabbinic Judaism by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Imagine Nation by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Trances, Dances and Vociferations by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Postborder City by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book History of Early Childhood Education by Ian Verstegen
Cover of the book Capital in Disequilibrium by Ian Verstegen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy