Text 1: Art theorist Dr. Helen Foster argues for institutional definitions of art. "Art is what the artworld recognizes as such," Foster writes. "Gallery placement, critical discourse, and institutional practices confer art status."
Text 2: Aesthetician Dr. Paul Black objects to circularity. "Institutional theories require identifying artworld without reference to art," Black argues. "But artworld members are those who deal with art. The definition assumes what it purports to define."
What logical problem does Black identify in Foster's theory?
That institutions don't exist
That the definition is circular, presupposing the concept it defines
That art has no value
That galleries never display objects
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Black argues Foster's artworld must be defined without reference to art—but artworld members are art-dealing people. Art defined by artworld which is defined by art. Circular.
- Evidence: Black: "the definition assumes what it purports to define."
- Reasoning: You can't define X using X.
- Conclusion: Foster's definition is viciously circular.
Choice A is incorrect because Black accepts institutions exist. Choice C is incorrect because value isn't Black's concern. Choice D is incorrect because gallery display isn't questioned.