Response to Edward's Question

Edward: "What factor do you think differentiates 'pornography' and 'erotica?'"

I do not think that there is a significant aesthetic difference between pornography and erotica, though I do believe that there is an important distinction artistically. The difference is not typically perceptually distinguishable (Perhaps Danto could help us then) rather it is one of intent. I think that both pornography and erotica can be meant to arouse, and both of them can have artistic intent as well. The difference I think lies in the importance of these too aspects. Pornography is meant to arouse, and then there is potential for artistic merit. Erotica is the opposite.

Erotica: Artistic intent then arousal
Pornography: Arousal then artistic intent

Yes, this idea is dependent upon Kant being wrong, in that artistic evaluation does not have to be from a disinterested point of view.

Question: On a somewhat unrelated note (though Tania touched upon this) what merit, if any, is there in attaining a definition of art?