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Monroe Beardsley

Monroe Beardsley was a prominent figure in the philosophy of art, known for his contributions to formalism and aesthetic objectivism. He argued that the value of art lies primarily in its form and structure rather than in its content or the artist's intentions. Beardsley emphasized an objective approach to art appreciation, suggesting that aesthetic experiences can be analyzed and understood through the properties of the artwork itself. His work challenged subjective interpretations, promoting the idea that art has intrinsic qualities that can be critically assessed, thereby shaping discussions around the ontology of art and its inherent value.