Aesthetics (Philosophy of Art) Broad Overview Flashcards
What is aesthetics?
A branch of philosophy focused on beauty, art, taste, and the sensory or emotional experiences they evoke.
What is a primary question in aesthetics?
What is beauty?
Define ‘objective beauty.’
The view that beauty is an inherent quality in an object, independent of personal perception.
What does ‘subjective beauty’ mean?
The belief that beauty is based on individual perception and varies from person to person.
What is mimesis in art?
The idea that art is an imitation or representation of reality, as discussed by Plato and Aristotle.
How did Plato view mimesis?
He saw art as an imitation of reality and therefore inferior to true knowledge.
What did Aristotle believe about mimesis?
He believed that imitation in art helps people understand and interpret the world.
Explain ‘aesthetic pleasure.’
The enjoyment or engagement one feels from experiencing beauty or art.
What does ‘disinterestedness’ mean in aesthetic experience?
The concept that true aesthetic experience involves appreciating something for its own sake, without personal or practical interest.
Who introduced the concept of ‘disinterestedness’ in aesthetics?
Immanuel Kant.
Differentiate between the sublime and the beautiful.
The beautiful is pleasing and harmonious, while the sublime evokes awe or terror, often through vast or overwhelming experiences.
What does ‘art for art’s sake’ imply?
The idea that art exists for its own sake and need not serve any practical or moral purpose.
According to Tolstoy, what purpose should art serve?
Art should foster empathy, spread values, or challenge social norms, thereby serving a moral or social role.
What is ‘catharsis’ in Aristotle’s view of art?
The release and balance of emotions, particularly through experiencing tragedy.
What question does art criticism in aesthetics address?
How can we evaluate art as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ and are there universal standards for quality in art?
