Poetics Flashcards
Q: How does Aristotle differ from Plato regarding Forms?
A: Aristotle believes that Forms exist within things rather than as separate entities.
Q: What are Aristotle’s three types of sciences?
A: 1) Practical sciences (ethics, politics)
2) Theoretical sciences (physics, metaphysics)
3) Productive sciences (rhetoric, arts)
Q: What is Aristotle’s concept of ‘eudaimonia’?
A: Eudaimonia means “flourishing” or “living well,” achieved through virtue and contemplation.
Q: What are Aristotle’s Four Causes?
A: 1) Material Cause – what something is made of.
2) Formal Cause – the structure or design.
3) Efficient Cause – the agent or creator.
4) Final Cause – the purpose or goal.
Q: How does Aristotle define tragedy?
A: Tragedy is an imitation of a serious action, complete with magnitude, in dramatic form, achieving purgation of emotions through pity and fear.
Q: What is Aristotle’s concept of catharsis?
A: Catharsis is the purification or purgation of emotions, particularly through experiencing tragedy.
Q: What does Aristotle say about the role of imitation (mimesis) in art?
A: Art imitates human action; tragedy imitates noble actions, while comedy imitates actions of lower status.
Q: How does Aristotle describe the tragic hero?
A: A tragic hero is a character who is neither completely good nor bad, but falls due to a mistake (hamartia), like Oedipus.
Q: According to Aristotle, what is the function of poetry?
A: Poetry describes what might happen, presenting universal truths rather than specific historical events.
Q: Why does Aristotle believe that imitation (mimesis) is natural?
A: Humans learn through imitation, and it provides pleasure because it helps us understand the world.
Q: How does Aristotle define motion (change)?
A: Motion is the actuality of a potential being, meaning change occurs when something fulfills its potential.
Q: What is Aristotle’s definition of nature?
A: Nature is an intrinsic principle of motion and stability within a thing, distinguishing natural objects from artificial ones.
Q: What is the difference between history and poetry, according to Aristotle?
A: History describes what happened, while poetry describes what could or should happen, making poetry more philosophical.
Q: How does Aristotle justify aesthetic pleasure?
A: Aesthetic pleasure comes from contemplation, which differs from indulgence in desires like food or drink.
Q: What does Aristotle say about the role of metaphors in poetry?
A: Metaphors are a sign of natural talent and cannot be taught; they enhance the poetic effect.
Q: What does Aristotle say about the role of leisure in intellectual pursuits?
A: Leisure is essential for philosophy and contemplation, as it allows individuals to pursue knowledge beyond mere utility.
Q: What is Aristotle’s critique of Homer’s poetry?
A: Aristotle argues that poetry does not have the same standards of truth as politics or other sciences; its purpose is to achieve poetic effect.
Q: How does Aristotle relate aesthetic judgment to virtue?
A: A virtuous person enjoys actions that express moral virtues and is pained by moral vices, similar to how a musician enjoys beautiful music.
Q: What role does music play in Aristotle’s aesthetics?
A: Music is discussed in Politics, where Aristotle sees it as a means of ethical and intellectual development.
Q: What does Aristotle say about the natural talent required for poetry?
A: Poetic ability, especially making metaphors, is a sign of natural talent rather than learned skill.
