What is art?

Hi Philosophers,

Our next topic is an intriguing one! The definition of art is controversial in contemporary philosophy and the philosophical usefulness of art has also been debated. In this session we'll try and understand "what is art" and "is it worthwhile"?

I hope you can join us!

What is art?

“Art is the way of grasping the idea of the world, free from the corrupting influence of the will.” – Schopenhauer

“The tragic poet is an imitator, and therefore, like all other imitators, he is thrice removed from the king and from the truth.” – Plato

"I paint flowers, so they do not die." - Frida Kahlo

Philosophers have long debated the nature of art and its role in human life. For Plato, art was an imitation that could deceive and lead us away from truth. Aristotle, on the other hand, saw art as cathartic, allowing us to process emotions and gain insights into our own natures. The exploration of art through the lens of philosophy invites us to question the purpose of artistic creations, how we should define art and question its relevance to us and our lives.

What exactly makes a creation a work of art? Is art linked to beauty? What purpose does art play in our lives? The rise of postmodernism has also introduced new questions about the nature of representation, the role of the artist, and the impact of culture on our understanding of art.

Some questions to ponder:

• Can art exist without an audience, or is the viewers interpretation integral to its meaning?
• Do you believe all art has inherent value? Are some forms of art more valuable than others?
• Can art be objectively defined, or is it inherently subjective?
• Can you separate the artwork from the artist?
• Who owns art?
• How do context, culture, and personal experience influence our understanding of art?
• Can art be immoral or unethical? Should there be censorship in art?
• Is the value of art intrinsic, or is it determined by external factors like society and the market?
• How does art relate to beauty?
• Can anything be considered art if the creator intends it to be so?

Thought Experiment: Imagine an artist creates a stunning painting, but it is destroyed immediately after completion, never to be seen by anyone. Is this still a piece of art? What if the same painting was seen and appreciated by millions before its destruction? How does visibility and reception affect its status as art?

Thought Experiment: Consider Marcel Duchamp's famous piece "Fountain," a standard urinal presented as art. Does the context of presentation transform this everyday object into art? What implications does this have for the boundaries and definitions of art?

Crash Course Philosophy - Art and Aesthetics
https://youtu.be/gDL4Zf2yEa4

Did Philosophy Kill Art?
https://issakhan1000.medium.com/is-art-dead-did-philosophy-kill-art-254fb695bb1b