The Values and Functions of Art in Society

  • The essay intends to answer the question: What functions does art perform in the context of society?
  • It should be answered by using "Part Two: What Philosophers Say that the Arts Do" of Hans van Maanen's 2009 book, How to Study Art Worlds: On the Societal Functioning of Aesthetic Values, as its main reference. The chapter is found on pages 149 to 201 of the book.
  • For the introduction, please explain the meanings and differences between the following concepts: (a) 'values' vs 'functions', and (b) intrinsic value, extrinsic value, and semi-intrinsic value.
  • The main content of the discussion should explain the concepts found in Figure 7.4 (Links between the intrinsic societal and personal values and functions of art) of the chapter. The figure gives an overview of van Maanen's answer to the question I identified above.