Philosophy
The Philosophy of Art: Expression, Formalism, and Institutional Theory
Quick fact
Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain' (a porcelain urinal) was rejected from an art exhibition in 1917, yet it is now considered a landmark of modern art—a perfect example of how institutional theory explains art's status.
Why this is interesting
You've probably seen a blank canvas in a gallery and thought, 'Is that really art?' The philosophy of art explores that exact question, offering different answers that each reveal how we understand creativity.