Beardsley's explanation of how works of art have the capacity to give an aesthetic character to human experience provides a justification for art education in the schools. His major work, "Aesthetics," and subsequent writings that have a bearing on art education are discussed. (Author/RM)

Points out the limitations of the Cartesian epistemology underlying most art education textbooks. Explores the ideas of Gregory Bateson and Ellen Dissanayake who express a semiotic view of artistic creation that is multidimensional. Suggest implications for art education. (KM)

Criticizes the traditional approach to art education that emphasizes formal properties such as line, color, and shape. Proposes that teachers develop student abilities to go beyond the visual level of artworks and gain access to the complexity of meanings that art possesses. Includes contemporary art examples and corresponding analyses. (MJP)