Jen+Chu+RP+Post+1

I: Presentation of Research Findings
As of four minutes ago, I am leaning towards writing an extended definition paper. I'll essentially be summing up an immense topic. In greater detail, this path of research will involve combining multiple sources to explain or discuss a relatively ambiguous topic. The extend definition type of paper seems like the best suit to fit my topic. Furthermore, this seems like the least restrictive type of paper that is manageable,yet still leaves me with a lot to work with.

II: The Pursuit of New Knowledge

 * __ What is art? __
 * How do you define it?
 * __ Why do we have it; do we even need it? __
 * How does one determine what is "good" or "bad" art?
 * Is music art?
 * __ What does are contribute to society? __

III: Background and Early Knowledge
I briefly studied art history, so I have a thorough understanding of the different art eras and to what extent science, religion, and technology has impacted them. In the past, demanding art schools with strict rules governed the art world and controlled what could and could not be made, or the lack of materials and innovation inhibited the amount of art. Nowadays, anything goes. There are no rules, so creative bohemians keep pushing the envelope and it is becoming increasingly difficult to draw the line between what is and what is not art.

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**IV: The Rationale** This topic was actually not on the top of my list of research topics. Initially, I was going to write a position paper on religion, most likely Mormons, or a lit review on the bible, but then I realized I just don't care. Also, I don't care about god, i don't care about happiness, i don't care about intelligence, i don't care about being politically correct, i don't care about my mom, i don't care about math, i don't care about " living a life well spent", but i love art. I suppose I am fueled by personal interests. I love thinking it, making it, thinking about making it, looking at it, and destroying it. Furthermore, i really do want to define art in a very objective manner, because there is a lot of garbage art these days; and I simply do not understand how it can ever be considered as art. I am not the only on who has walked into MOMA or some rink dink gallery and thought "wow....this sucks. seriously, a four year old could do that". I also want to know why we have it in the first place, nothing wrong with black white walls. My main concern is that I will run into many flamboyant articles, written by pretentious intellects, and waste my time trying to decipher them. Additionally, it will be difficult to find objective articles with empirical definitions.