Why did not former epochs distinguish between 'art' and 'craft'?

Question

_{Source: p. 18 Middle, [*Beauty: A Very Short Introduction* (2011)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beauty-Short-Introduction-Roger-Scruton/dp/0199229759) by Roger Scruton.}>That said, we should recognize that the distinction betweenaesthetic and utilitarian interests is no more clear than thelanguage used to define it. What exactly is meant by those who saywe are interested in a work of art *for its own sake*, on account of its*intrinsic* value, as *an end in itself* ? These terms are philosophicaltechnicalities, which indicate no clear contrast between aestheticinterest and the utilitarian approach that is imposed on us by theneeds of everyday decision making. **[1.]** Other epochs did not recognizethe distinction that we now so frequently make between art andcraft. **[End of 1.]** Our word ‘poetry’ comes from Greek *poiēsis*, the skill ofmaking things; the Roman *artes* comprised every kind of practicalendeavour. And to take our second platitude about beautyseriously is to be sceptical towards the whole idea of the beautifulas a realm apart, untainted by mundane practicalities.The entitled question is based on 1 above which lacks an explanation.

Answer 1

For many people, the term "art" has come to mean one of two things: 1. Exceptional skill at doing something (Subway refers to its sandwich makers as "sandwich artists"), and 2. Something visually/aesthetically appealing that transcends the commonplace and shows a unique level of skill, beauty, forethought, or meaning. This version of art differs from craft, in the current and common understanding of the word, because, while art may in fact be functional, it does not need to perform a function. Craft, on the other hand, suggests that the object, while potentially exceptionally beautiful and/or skillfully made, has a primary function. A basket, for example, is meant to carry something, whether or not it is beautiful. A painting, on the other hand, serves no purpose other than visual appreciation. The exception to this is, of course, images/art that is used for propaganda, teaching, or religious purposes. But in these cases, the "function" is academic, emotional, or socio-political. To sum up, the term "art" has come to mean something appreciated first for its aesthetics, whereas "crafts" are appreciated first for functionality.