S/P/55. Are there any limits as to what can count as a work of art?

This paper argues that there is no convincing ‘definition’ for art in a classificatory sense, and as such we are not able to conclusive set limits on what can be termed as art. However, perhaps by involving an evaluative sense to a definition of an artwork, clearer boundaries could be postulated. In making this argument, various tactics for defining art are discussed; Wollheim’s ‘common characteristics’, Bell’s ‘formalist theory’, intuitionist theory and Dickie’s ‘institutional theory of art’. The strengths and flaws of each are discussed and compared.