Why Did You Become a Philosopher? (01:54)

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Jacques Rancière finds the borders between philosophy and other subjects most interesting; he is often considered a historian. He outlines his educational experience.

Why Did You Choose to Work with these Boundaries? (01:47)

Rancière began as a Marxist student and studied working class history. Men were classified as active and passive in ancient times; he believes knowledge and science are used to distribute humans into class categories.

Art and Boundaries (02:12)

Before the late 18th century, arts were categorized as mechanical and liberal, and were defined according to social purpose. Art later began to be considered as a general concept to be experienced; decorative works were displayed in museums.

Modern Art or Aesthetic Regime of Arts? (04:41)

Rancière considers the notion of modernity ambiguous. He discusses how pre-18th century utilitarian art was bound by rules of “beauty” agreed upon between artists and audiences. Post-18th century art transcended this agreement and challenged social hierarchies.

Flaubert and the New Art (02:33)

According to representative logic, works are judged based on themes that target audiences from different social classes. Rancière discusses Gustave Flaubert's notion that no theme is beautiful or ugly in art—an idea often misconstrued as "art for art's sake."

Cinema and Art (04:03)

Rancière says film occupies an ambiguous place in the aesthetic regime of art. It was initially seen as a new art form of light and movement that would challenge traditional storytelling. Today, it blurs the boundaries between art and entertainment.

Arts and Politics (04:40)

Rancière argues that politics and art occupy aesthetic forms and use words, images, and events in a community. He discusses Flaubert's transformation of the novel and creation of a new world where art is accessible to all classes.

Can Art Change the World? (04:03)

Rancière argues that there are multiple, coexisting worlds. Art was once perceived as creating a critical distance from the common world; now some artists are attempting to recreate it.

Credits: Critical Thinkers - Jacques Rancière (00:40)

Credits: Critical Thinkers - Jacques Rancière