This Article critically examines existing theories in the soclolob'Y of art and focuses on the problem of art and on the problem of the social determination of art The question of great art problematises the social detrmination hypothesis, The conclusion of this article supports an approach towards art which views art as a socially situated knowledge and which at the same time preserves an
independent and unique sphere of life other than the established social order, This examination is based in the consideration of art as an element in the knowledge sphere and the sociologY of art as a branch of the sociology of
knowledge,
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