Art as Artifact: An Empirical Approach to Locating its Hedonic Function

Abstract

Standard accounts of artifacts claim that they are objects purposefully designed by an agent (or agents) to realize a function.  Art objects have often been regarded as functionless entities; thus, many have disqualified them from possessing artifact status.  With this paper, I defend the view that art objects (at least paintings and sculptures) are, in fact, artifacts since they serve hedonic functions.  In my view, declarations for the functionless nature of art objects are due to an epistemically impoverished position regarding neural responses to artworks. I introduce recent research from neuroaesthetics, the study of the neural underpinnings of aesthetic experiences, which demonstrates that art objects act as a catalyst that stimulates the neural reward circuitry which in turn produces heightened hedonic sensations.  These hedonic sensations, I claim, are the function of art objects, art appreciators seek them out and artists desire to induce them.