Art: A Social Institution or an Innate Essence?

The book Art and Value by George Dickie is one of the significant works in the philosophy of art, introducing the institutional theory of art and examining both artistic value and the definition of art. This book stands as a primary source for understanding modern theories of art and offers a more precise and practical definition of art—one that proves applicable when engaging with contemporary art, conceptual works, and even innovative experimental forms. In this essay, we will introduce this book and explore its theoretical dimensions.