Pragmatic theories: art conceptualized in terms of its effects on its audience, to accomplish purposes such as the creation of specific shared experiences.

• As a means of enhancing experience and thought

• As a means of escape from, or consolation for, reality

• As a means of perceiving a higher, more perfect, or ideal reality

• As a source of pleasure or delight

• As a means of promoting cultural and historical community or continuity

• As instructive, didactic, or propagandistic

• As therapeutic; i.e., as healing or purgative

• As a means of communication