Arthur Danto argued that Andy Warhol's 'Brillo Boxes'—physically indistinguishable from actual Brillo boxes in supermarkets—proved that what makes something art cannot be any perceptible physical property. Art status depends on the 'artworld'—the theoretical and institutional context in which objects are presented, interpreted, and evaluated. Critics contend this makes art status arbitrary, subject only to institutional declaration rather than any intrinsic quality.
It can be inferred from the text that
Warhol's Brillo Boxes look very different from commercial Brillo boxes
institutional context has no influence on how objects are perceived
what makes something art may involve factors beyond the object's physical properties
critics fully endorse Danto's institutional theory of art
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. Identical physical objects differ in art status.
- Context clues: Boxes are "physically indistinguishable" yet one is art; status depends on "context."
- Meaning: Physical properties alone can't determine art status.
- Verify: Both sides accept this premise—they disagree about whether context-dependence is good.
💡 Strategy: When identity in one domain doesn't predict status in another, infer additional determining factors.
Choice A is incorrect because they are "physically indistinguishable." Choice B is incorrect because the 'artworld' context is central to Danto's argument. Choice D is incorrect because critics "contend" against arbitrary institutional declaration.