In a groundbreaking new book that does for art what Stephen Pinker’s The Language Instinct did for linguistics, Denis Dutton overt...
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Jul 06, 2010
Lazarus
rated it: 
Occasionally irate academic becalmed in his own backwater mentality fails to deliver the book this subject deserves.
Thank God it's over. Like this book, life's too short to waste another moment on such a risible act of narrow-minded scholarship [an oxymoron if ever there was one:], suffice to say it was rife with under-argued assumptions and intermittently self-contradictory. Yet, paradoxically, if the experience had been prolonged it may have been less painful. In a longer, better b More...
Thank God it's over. Like this book, life's too short to waste another moment on such a risible act of narrow-minded scholarship [an oxymoron if ever there was one:], suffice to say it was rife with under-argued assumptions and intermittently self-contradictory. Yet, paradoxically, if the experience had been prolonged it may have been less painful. In a longer, better b More...
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Aug 17, 2009
Nat
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Dutton wants to turn attention away from marginal artistic "hard cases" like Duchamp's readymades that dominate contemporary aesthetic debates back to central features of art. He argues that art is a "cluster concept", meaning that it isn't defined by a single set of necessary and sufficient conditions, but that central, canonical art works satisfy twelve different criteria, from the demonstration of skill to the production of "imaginative experience", and less cent
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Jul 06, 2009
Steven
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This is a well written work, accessible to a general audience, on the linkage between art and evolution. Up front, Dutton contends that (Page 1): "It is time to look at the arts in the light of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution--to talk about instinct and art."
The book begins with reference to a study that found that humans across many cultures seemed to prefer a very similar type of painting--a landscape with people, animals, water, with a preference for the color blue More...
The book begins with reference to a study that found that humans across many cultures seemed to prefer a very similar type of painting--a landscape with people, animals, water, with a preference for the color blue More...
Aug 23, 2010
Lauren
rated it:
There are basic logic problems here but I think Dutton's book is worth reading even if you don't agree with his theories. I like books that give me something to think about.
I tend to be a Dantonian (to coin a term)--I mostly agree with Danto's institutional theory of art. To give an example, Dutton uses his 12 criteria of "art" to look at Duchamp's readymades and to "decide" if they are truly art. He writes, "On a numerical calculation of items on the More...
I tend to be a Dantonian (to coin a term)--I mostly agree with Danto's institutional theory of art. To give an example, Dutton uses his 12 criteria of "art" to look at Duchamp's readymades and to "decide" if they are truly art. He writes, "On a numerical calculation of items on the More...
Aug 06, 2010
Serena
rated it: 
This was definitely amazing. :) :)
So easy to read, yet so richly, DELICIOUSLY informative--no, INSIGHTFUL! XD XD Just the PERFECT balance for a popular science/ philosophy book. :) :)
My favorite chapter of all, was of course "Uses of Fiction" :D :D :D :D :D Oh gosh, it's intensifying my hunger to read more literary classics! XD XD
I just love how Denis Dutton gives a UNIVERSAL explanation of our passion for art, rather than sticking to "cul More...
So easy to read, yet so richly, DELICIOUSLY informative--no, INSIGHTFUL! XD XD Just the PERFECT balance for a popular science/ philosophy book. :) :)
My favorite chapter of all, was of course "Uses of Fiction" :D :D :D :D :D Oh gosh, it's intensifying my hunger to read more literary classics! XD XD
I just love how Denis Dutton gives a UNIVERSAL explanation of our passion for art, rather than sticking to "cul More...
Mar 17, 2011
Avery
rated it:
I started reading this book because of a blurb on the Arts and Letters Daily site. It looked intriguing, and I was very interested in the subject.
I finished the intro and that was enough for me. I agree with the premise (that art is an innate evolutionary trait) but disagree with the approach he took. Perhaps it is because I am an anthropology student, but I do not think you can take a cross-cultural approach to anything. While it is true that there are similarities and comparisons b More...
I finished the intro and that was enough for me. I agree with the premise (that art is an innate evolutionary trait) but disagree with the approach he took. Perhaps it is because I am an anthropology student, but I do not think you can take a cross-cultural approach to anything. While it is true that there are similarities and comparisons b More...
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Jun 23, 2009
Kathryn
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I began this book with unbounded optimism, excited to hear a Darwinian take on the human drive for creativity. I liked some of the information, like Dutton's ideas on how storytelling helped our Pleistocene ancestors survive their hunter/gatherer lifestyle or the ways our ancestors may have come to enjoy certain types of landscapes over others. I was slightly less excited about Dutton's take on postmodern ethnography and his weird repetition of the physical characteristics of women as they apply
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Nov 17, 2011
Simone
rated it: 
While Dutton's theories are interesting, I find he relies to often on singular sources of knowledge, specifically Steven Pinker. While I understand Dutton is modelling his theory loosely on Pinker's developments in linguistics as an evolutionary adaptation/instinct, I think the subject matter of art as a human instinct and not a culturally infused by-product of evolution demands a wider array of sources and scientific research. Dutton also takes a significantly long-winded approach to his explan
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Jul 23, 2011
I liked it a lot. It provides an evolutionary explanation of art that's more satisfying than cheescake for other senses and goes beyond Steven Pinker's and other efforts that I'm aware off. But the latter part was not as satisfying as the beginning as Dutton seemed to shift from evolutionary and scientific evidence toward what I guess is more traditional philosophy of art. The book explains more than any other that I know, but I hope some empiricist keeps working on this and writes one that goes
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Nov 09, 2010
Kyle
rated it:
The thesis of Dutton's The Art Instinct is that aesthetics can be understood in very rational terms as a product of human evolution. He uses the muscular prose of a good, strong-minded, confident scientific/intellectual argument, while also remaining crystal clear and (somehow) delicate. Still, the book never completely coalesces into an effective work.
I admire the audacity and provocation at the core of an argument like his -- marrying the seemingly cloudy and subjective (what is More...
I admire the audacity and provocation at the core of an argument like his -- marrying the seemingly cloudy and subjective (what is More...
Apr 04, 2011
Ben
rated it:
I am at war with myself. The feminist in me, who has been taking philosophy courses and reading books that challenge contemporary notions about gender, regards much of culture as a construction, something abstract and even arbitrary that we should alter to improve the status of various groups of people. The scientist in me, who reads books about genetics and ponders how amazing it is that we're programmed to learn how to talk but have developed writing as a skill, not an innate ability. These
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Jul 14, 2011
David
rated it: 
So why are the best selling calendars in Africa made up from scenes in the foothills of North America? Why are snake statues placed on buildings to frighten away birds in New Zealand when there are no snakes in the country? What makes us like art? Dutton brings several almost unconnected elements together to build his theory. I'm not sure he answers everything he brings up (or I buy it) but he made me stop to ponder quite a few things about art and culture.
Sadly he passed away recently More...
Sadly he passed away recently More...
Feb 11, 2009
Kasia
rated it:
So far, this book is a great introduction to the philosophy and psychology behind why we (as humans) make and can appreciate art. Dutton's prose is scientific- that is to say, truly informative writing that is supported by evidence. He cites many examples from different perspectives on art and the evolution of the human mind and consciousness, and even ventures to draw some conclusions of his own from his investigation. Really thought-provoking and enjoyable to read.
May 18, 2010
Mike
rated it:
This book is no good if you're not interested in learning something cool every paragraph or so.
One thing to recommend it: The dude actually defines art (or at least gives several criteria for distinguishing art from, say, cooking and basketball). Turns out he comes down on the side of common sense and against haughty and high-flung art theories, though he does so from a remarkably original and intersting vantage point.
Which is cool.
One thing to recommend it: The dude actually defines art (or at least gives several criteria for distinguishing art from, say, cooking and basketball). Turns out he comes down on the side of common sense and against haughty and high-flung art theories, though he does so from a remarkably original and intersting vantage point.
Which is cool.
Dec 28, 2010
Jeff
rated it:
For the past 50 years or so, most discussions about art and its meanings have been based in either semiotics or phenomenology. Discourse either focused on how art (in whatever medium) functioned as a language, or it focused not on the construction of art but rather the experience of the perceiver. Denis Dutton's book is part of a new trend (particularly popular in the UK, Australia & New Zealand it seems) to examine the notion that artmaking and art enjoying are part of a deeply ingrained ance
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Mar 16, 2011
Michael
rated it:
Interesting take on the impulse to make art using a Darwinian model. Somewhat stilted toward a traditional art making approach but nonetheless raises fascinating questions throughout. Not for the descendants of the Duchampian model of art making, though his arguments could be adapted to fit any model.
Jul 30, 2011
I'm very disappointed in this book. There's really nothing new here.. I wish there was... well...more. The author rehashed a lot of art theory, then tries to put together a ridiculously long treatise about what is art...leading me, the reader, to believe he was just filling up pages
Feb 08, 2010
Caro
rated it:
Dutton makes a persuasive case that art is not merely a spandrel, but has evolved along with attributes like sociability as part of what makes us human. I read this as someone who's interested in evolution more than art and found it very interesting.
Apr 01, 2009
Orin
rated it:
Tough topic. I agree but proving the point could be difficult. The chapter on dada and the Duchamp's Fountain is excellent. Worth the price of admission.
Finished today. This is not the last word on the subject, but it's a good start.
Finished today. This is not the last word on the subject, but it's a good start.
May 06, 2010
Suzette
rated it:
I liked being exposed to new ideas, but I didn't feel like I learned anything earth-shattering in this book. He's basically exploring the idea that we are programmed for art and what we prefer in art.
Aug 29, 2010
Paula
rated it:
This does for art what Jared Diamond did for civilization in Guns, Germs, and Steel. Personally, I found both a bit tedious, but they're well-enough researched, if you like that kind of thing.
Jun 30, 2009
Joan
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I found this book fascinating because I've been studying art in a way for a long time. To learn how art started and what it means was compelling.
May 17, 2010
Got a good blurb on the Arts and Letters Daily homepage. Sounds like an interesting premise.
Jun 02, 2010
Trisha
rated it:
my first book on aesthetics. Fascinating stuff and he made it very approachable.
Jan 03, 2011
Lou
rated it:
sort of ok- started getting into things i don't really care about so i started skimming, then let it go-
Jan 24, 2010
Flora
rated it:
Picked it up and finish the intro...looks very opinionated and provocative.
I finished it after a slog through the many names and side trips that Dutton makes to prove his thesis, that we have an innate sense of art. Dutton has some interesting ideas, i.e. we enjoy landscapes with 44 percent blue in them. You have to read him to get to the point.
I would not recommend this unless you want a course on art philosophy and thought.
I finished it after a slog through the many names and side trips that Dutton makes to prove his thesis, that we have an innate sense of art. Dutton has some interesting ideas, i.e. we enjoy landscapes with 44 percent blue in them. You have to read him to get to the point.
I would not recommend this unless you want a course on art philosophy and thought.
Aug 19, 2009
virginialeesmith
rated it:
Very, very sexist at times in terms of the author's viewpoint as to what suitable and standard gender roles/dating customs in western culture. The tone of book is written for someone who does not have an art history background which is odd considering I though the target audience was exactly that.
Very, blah --- but I finished it.
Very, blah --- but I finished it.
Dec 12, 2010
Jim
rated it:
I wanted to love this book. I love the Arts and Letters Daily and I love the idea that our need to make art stems from some deep instinctual place. However, my attention span just isn't up to this book's academic tone. I'll leave it in the pile and maybe I'll find myself coming back to it at some point. I hope.
Sep 10, 2010
Caleb
rated it:
THE ART INSTINCT applies the ideas of evolutionary psychology to the arts. This is required reading for anyone who considers himself an artist. And for the fiction writers out there, look forward to an entire chapter called THE USES OF FICTION, which contains some profound ideas regarding the human need for narrative.
