For example, the way the art of "disgust" and harsh realism have entered into the mainstream of art should be seen in the context of this reappraisal and reassessment of 'beauty'. Central to this important debate is the fundamental realization that the meaning and even existence of art is at issue as never before. This is referred to by Danto as a form of "conceptual erasure" which is related to the present state of pluralism in art. By pluralism, Danto means that there are many and not one single view of what art is or should be. He refers to pop art in this regard and extends his argument to the way in which modern forms of art have become conceptual and do not even need to produce an object or work of art.

As a result of these factors the concept of beauty has all but disappeared from views and theories about art. Danto argues that beauty is an aspect that should be 'erased' as a determining factor of what art should aspire to.

In one sense Danto is talking about the relativity of art meaning and art appreciation. On the other hand, he stresses the need to accept new meanings and views in art theory. Importantly, Danto states that, " Beauty's place is not in the definition or -- to use the somewhat discredited idiom -- the essence of art, from which the avant-garde has rightly removed it. That removal, however, was not merely the result of a conceptual but, as I shall argue, a political determination." This again stresses the link between art and theoretical and philosophical discourse.

In the final analysis, what Danto asserts is that beauty does have a place in art and in the assessment of artistic worth. The role that beauty has to play in...

Danto is of the opinion that we have to expand out view and definition of art to include art that is not beautiful in any sense, but which nevertheless is still art. This refers to the contemporary view of what modern are is or should be. He therefore shifts the emphasis on beauty from the centre of artistic discourse but also argues for "partial rehabilitation" and for the removal of the critical censure of beauty.
Bibliography

Danto, Arthur C. 2002. "The Abuse of Beauty." Daedalus 131, no. 4-35+. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000663170; (Accessed November 11, 2007).

Danto Arthur C. 1964. "The Artworld," Journal of Philosophy, 61, no. 19: 571-584;

Puolakka Kalle. Interrupting Danto's Farewell Party Arrangements: Comments for Grigoriev. http://www.contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=392: (Accessed November 11, 2007).

Danto Arthur C. 1964. "The Artworld," Journal of Philosophy, 61, no. 19: 571-584; (Accessed November 11, 2007).

Kalle Puolakka, Interrupting Danto's Farewell Party Arrangements: Comments for Grigoriev. http://www.contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=392; (Accessed November 11, 2007).

Danto, Arthur C. 2002. "The Abuse of Beauty." Daedalus 131, no. 4-35+. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000663170; (Accessed November 11, 2007).