Abstract

This volume examines the way individuals think about objects and events in the world. These thoughts specify a priori assumptions that indicate what will be considered beautiful, valuable, and good. Decisions made about these matters determine what actions will be taken in regard to them. The continuous change that historically characterizes art educational practices is driven by shifts in ways of thinking (beliefs). Curricular goals for art education must be consistent with ways of thinking. The text is organized into five chapters. Chapter 1 provides a brief review of 18th and 19th philosophical thought and the concepts of relations between objects and events. Chapter 2 explores these concepts as interpreted by 20th century aestheticians, art historians, critics and artists specifically as they concern thinking about and making art. Chapter 3 examines paradigms for artistic conception. Chapter 4 identifies how these paradigms now function in the art curricula of schools and chapter 5 how the paradigms relate to curriculum practice. (MM)