The Life and Death of Images: Ethics and Aesthetics

The ancient question of whether art has a social, political or psychological purpose is explored here by philosophers and art historians. Editors Costello (philosophy, University of Warrick UK) and Willsdon, a curator at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, have chosen eight colleagues to present their opinions. The contributors are arranged in pairs so that each gives a commentary on the paper of the other, thus creating a mini-dialogue. The essays emphasize the ethical implications of art, especially in response to violence or injustice. The topic would be of interest to many, but the academic theory discourse makes the book accessible only to those with a previous knowledge of the field. The reader might also appreciate an index. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)