Reddit reviews But Is It Art?: An Introduction to Art Theory

Depends on what the talk will be on. If it is analytic philosophy of art, which traditionally has focused a whole lot on theories of art, something like this would be fine. I also would suggest this, which I really enjoyed. If the focus on more on other aspects of the philosophy of art, then you might be better off looking in a different direction.

Buy some of the Blackwell series of Anthologies. I think that they have a great collection of contemporary essays (Some of the best contemporary work in aesthetics come in the form of essays). I have the Philosophy of Literature anthology in my lap right now, working on a paper (I'm a graduate student focusing on aesthetics, actually). The "Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art" would be the best.

[Here is one supposedly good intro book](http://www.amazon.com/But-Art-Introduction-Theory/dp/0192853678/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255491803&sr=8-1"testing this particular function out, hope it works") I have not read, but have had it recommended.

another

It depends on if you are talking serious academics, or if you are just looking to get into aesthetics for fun, really.

No problem--I'm happy to help! If you get the chance (but I certainly understand a heavy work load), the book [But Is It Art?] (http://www.amazon.com/But-Is-It-Art-Introduction/dp/0192853678) is a really good introduction to a lot of critical theory that you will run into when dealing with 20th century art. Also, I don't think you can really use it as a true source for your paper, but I would also recommend [Postmodernism for Beginners] (http://www.amazon.com/Postmodernism-For-Beginners-Jim-Powell/dp/1934389099). We used it in an undergrad seminar when I was just starting to learn theory, and it was absolutely invaluable--very, very easy to read, and you really get a good overview of the major ideas and philosophers in Postmodernism. Good Luck!