Un formalismo estético viable

Abstract

My claim in this paper is that there is considerable truth in formalism. I give an account of how nonformal aesthetic values are related to formal values and other aspects of works of art. The account of formal properties deploys Kant?s notion of dependent beauty and it allows us to formulate a “moderate formalist” view. I explore the way that account deals with the arts of representational painting, architecture, literature, and music. In each case I show that the phenomena of the art form can best be understood in terms of moderate formalism.