Dance and the Philosophy of Action

This book is a further major intervention into the philosophical aesthetics of dance
by a philosopher who has devoted much of his professional career to the
consideration of dance. It is intended for the interested general reader as well as the
postgraduate student.
What discussions from philosophy should be brought to the aesthetics of
dance? Approaches to philosophical aesthetics for dance should consider the
various agencies of dance-maker (the choreographer), dance-instantiator (the
dancer), and observer and commentator on dances (dance-audiences, but also
dance critics). Here, Graham McFee builds on his previous works (Understanding
Dance [Routledge, 1992] and The Philosophical Aesthetics of Dance [Dance Books,
2011]) to offer a framework for philosophical investigation of dance aesthetics
drawing on concepts from the philosophy of action crucial for making sense of
artworks, especially in performing arts such as dance: meaning, intending, action.
In addressing such framework issues, this text is suitable for introducing
philosophy to relative beginners, drawing on an interest in dance-as-art. It
displays the nuanced practice of philosophical debate via the delineation and
exemplification of philosophical positions through criticism of others, and
through responding to criticism. A focused range of reference offers readers an
opportunity to expand or to substantiate the conclusions drawn and arguments
provided, in the context of examples of dance practice and theory: for instance,
in the claims of neuroscience as well as the dance-criticism of John Martin and
the dance-making of Twyla Tharp.

Graham McFee teaches in the Philosophy Department of California State
University Fullerton, and is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of
Brighton, UK. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on a wide
variety of topics within philosophy, especially the aesthetics of dance and the
philosophy of Wittgenstein. His books include Understanding Dance (1992), The
Concept of Dance Education (1994/2004), Free Will (2000), Sport, Rules and Values
(2004), Artistic Judgement (2011), The Philosophical Aesthetics of Dance (2011) --
which won the 2010/2011 Selma Jean Cohen prize for dance aesthetics from the
American Society of Aesthetics --