Aesthetic Appreciation: Crash Course Philosophy #30

Summary

This script from Crash Course Philosophy explores the nature of art and aesthetic appreciation, posing the question of whether a 'chained cat' statue's accessory is part of the artwork. It delves into the perspectives of aestheticians, the role of the artist's intent, and the audience's experience, using thought experiments to challenge traditional definitions of art. The episode also discusses the objectivity of aesthetic value and the development of taste, suggesting that while personal preferences vary, an understanding and appreciation of art can be cultivated.

Takeaways

• 🔗 The script explores the philosophical question of what constitutes art, using the example of a 'chained cat' statue at a university to illustrate the complexity of defining art.
• 🎨 Aesthetic appreciation is a broad concept that includes sensory enjoyment and emotional responses to various experiences, not just traditional art forms.
• 🤔 Aestheticians, philosophers who study aesthetics, grapple with questions about the nature of art and its value in human life.
• 🖼️ Art objects are typically distinguished from natural beauty, but there is ongoing debate about where one begins and the other ends, and what makes something art.
• 🧩 The value of art can be seen as coming from the creator's intent, the audience's experience, or a combination of both.
• 👨‍🎨 Leo Tolstoy's view of art as an expression of the artist's emotions contrasts with other perspectives that consider art in terms of audience response.
• 🎨 The possibility of accidental art challenges traditional notions of artistic intent and raises questions about the role of the artist in the creation of art.
• 🌐 Arthur Danto's thought experiment with identical paintings suggests that the non-physical aspects of art, such as backstory or context, contribute to its identity as art.
• 👀 The subjective nature of aesthetic appreciation is contrasted with the idea that there might be some objective criteria for judging art, as suggested by David Hume.
• 🍷 Hume's concept of 'taste' in aesthetics implies that while personal preferences are subjective, there may be an objective standard for aesthetic quality that can be learned and developed.
• 💡 The script concludes by suggesting that the ability to appreciate art and beauty can be valuable in itself, offering pleasure and deeper understanding of the world and others.

Q & A

What is the central philosophical question posed by the 'chained cat' statue example?

The central question is whether the chain added to the statue is now considered a part of the artwork. This raises broader questions about how context and external additions impact the perception and identity of art.

How do aestheticians define 'objects of aesthetic appreciation'?

Aestheticians define objects of aesthetic appreciation as things that prompt valuable aesthetic emotions in us. These can be either human-made art objects or objects of natural beauty.

What distinguishes art objects from natural beauty according to aestheticians?

Art objects are typically human-made, while natural beauty refers to objects found in nature. However, there is some debate about this distinction, and some argue that the boundaries between them can be fluid.

What is Leo Tolstoy's view on the purpose of art?

Leo Tolstoy believed that art is primarily an expression of the ineffable emotions of the artist, created as a way to communicate these feelings to others, often conveying what cannot be expressed in words.

Can an object be considered art even if it wasn't created with the intention of being art?

Yes, some thinkers argue that an object can be considered art even without the artist's intention, suggesting that art could arise by accident and be judged by the emotions it evokes in the audience.

What thought experiment does Arthur Danto use to explore the ontology of artworks?

Arthur Danto presents a thought experiment with visually identical red paintings, each with different backstories, to prompt the question of what non-physical elements make something 'art' and how those elements affect the value of an artwork.

What does David Hume suggest about the nature of aesthetic taste?

David Hume suggests that aesthetic taste is somewhat objective, with humans naturally drawn to certain pleasing patterns and images. However, he also believes that aesthetic taste can be refined and developed over time.

How does Hume differentiate between the questions 'Do I like it?' and 'Is it good?'?

Hume differentiates by stating that 'Do I like it?' is a subjective question about personal preference, while 'Is it good?' is a more objective question about the inherent quality of the artwork, which can be discussed and evaluated.

According to the script, what role does aesthetic appreciation play in our daily lives?

Aesthetic appreciation plays a significant role in daily life, influencing choices in cars, phones, and other objects based not just on function but also on beauty. It also shapes emotional experiences, such as enjoying music, sunsets, or artwork.

How does the concept of 'good taste' relate to expertise in a particular field according to Hume?

Hume argues that people with expertise in a particular field, like sports or wine, develop a refined sense of aesthetic taste. This expertise allows them to notice details and appreciate nuances that others might miss, indicating that 'good taste' can be cultivated.