When artistic objects are separated from both conditions of origin and operation in experience a wall is built around them that renders almost opaque their general significance with which aesthetic theory deals Art is remitted to a separate realm where it is cut off from that association with the materials and aims of every other form of human effort and achievement A primary task is thus imposed upon one who undertakes to write upon the philosophy of the fine arts This task is to restore continuity between the refined and intensified forms of experience that are works of art and the everyday events doings and sufferings that are universally recognised to constitute experience Mountain peaks do not float unsupported they do not even just rest upon the earth They are the earth in one of its manifest operations It is the business of those who are concerned with the theory of the earth geographers and geologists to make this fact evident in its various implications The theorist who would deal philosophically with fine art has a like task to accomplish