Leo Tolstoy, What Is Art? | Tolstoy's Definition of Art | Philosophy Core Concepts

Summary

Dr. Gregory Sadler, a philosophy professor and founder of Reason IO, introduces a series of short videos focusing on core concepts from philosophical texts. In this segment, he discusses Leo Tolstoy's 'What is Art?', exploring Tolstoy's rejection of traditional art definitions and his own, which views art as a means of emotional communication or 'communion' between the creator and audience, transcending time and space. Sadler highlights Tolstoy's emphasis on the shared experience of feelings as the essence of art, which allows for a deep connection across cultures and generations.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Dr. Gregory Sadler is a professor of philosophy and the founder of Reason IO, an educational consulting company.
• 📚 He has over 20 years of experience studying and teaching philosophy and helps students and lifelong learners understand classic philosophical texts.
• 📹 Dr. Sadler produces lecture videos, both long and short, to make philosophical concepts accessible, with the current series focusing on core concepts from important texts.
• 🖌️ Leo Tolstoy's 'What is Art?' is discussed, where he critiques existing definitions and offers his own, viewing art as a form of communication or communion.
• 🔍 Tolstoy rejects definitions of art based on beauty or pleasure, arguing they are insufficient to capture the essence of art.
• 🧬 He critiques the 'physiological evolutionary' definition of art, suggesting it explains the origin but not the essence of art.
• 🎭 Tolstoy also dismisses the 'practical definition' of art, which focuses on the expression of emotions, as it lacks the audience dependency that he believes is crucial.
• 🎨 Art, according to Tolstoy, must be both emotional and communicative, involving a shared experience between the producer and the audience.
• 🌐 Tolstoy emphasizes that art enables a communion that transcends time and space, allowing people to share feelings across generations and cultures.
• 📖 The definition of art by Tolstoy is normative, suggesting how art should be understood and appreciated rather than just describing it.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Gregory Sadler?

Dr. Gregory Sadler is a professor of philosophy and the president and founder of Reason IO, an educational consulting company that applies philosophy in practical ways.

What is the primary focus of Reason IO?

Reason IO focuses on putting philosophy into practice, helping students and lifelong learners understand and engage with philosophical concepts.

What difficulties does Dr. Sadler identify in reading classic philosophical texts?

Dr. Sadler finds that people often have difficulties with the way things are said or the structure of the text in classic philosophical works, even though the concepts themselves are not always complicated.

What is the purpose of the new series of shorter videos by Dr. Sadler?

The new series aims to focus on one core concept from an important philosophical text, making it easier for viewers to understand and engage with complex ideas.

What does Leo Tolstoy's work 'What is Art?' examine?

In 'What is Art?', Tolstoy examines and rejects various definitions of art, then provides his own definition, viewing art as a means of communication or communion between the producer and the audience.

According to Tolstoy, what is the essence of art?

Tolstoy believes that the essence of art lies in its ability to communicate feelings and create a sense of communion among people, transcending space, time, and culture.

What does Tolstoy reject in the definitions of art based on beauty?

Tolstoy rejects definitions that rely on beauty as something that can be defined or encapsulated, often involving metaphysics and the idea of beauty providing pleasure.

What is the 'physiological evolutionary' definition of art that Tolstoy mentions?

The 'physiological evolutionary' definition suggests that art emerges from sexuality and a propensity for play in the animal kingdom, associated with a pleasant excitation of nervous energy.

What is the issue with the 'practical definition' of art according to Tolstoy?

The issue with the 'practical definition' is that it does not account for the audience dependency; one can express emotions without affecting others, and without this effect, the expression is not considered art.

What is the problem with the definition of art that includes the production of a permanent object or passing action for enjoyment?

This definition is problematic because it could include activities that are not art, like magic tricks or gymnastic exercises, and it might exclude objects that produce an unpleasant impression but are still considered art.

What are the key elements of Tolstoy's definition of art?

Tolstoy's definition of art includes the communication of feelings through external signs with the purpose of affecting others, creating a sense of communion among people, including the audience and potentially other spectators.

How does Tolstoy view the role of emotions in art?

Tolstoy views emotions as essential to art, stating that the capacity of people to be infected by the feelings of others is the basis for the communicative power of art.

What is the significance of the audience in Tolstoy's conception of art?

In Tolstoy's view, the audience is crucial because art is meant to communicate feelings and create a shared experience, which constitutes the essence of art.

What does Tolstoy suggest about the communicability of art across time and space?

Tolstoy suggests that genuine art allows for communication of feelings across time and space, enabling people to understand and share in the experiences of others, even those from different eras or cultures.