Explain the idea that art represents reality by discussing Plato and/or Aristotle’s view of art. Discuss a work of art that you think illustrates this idea. For example, you might discuss a character/narrator/subject in a work of art (novel, poem, film, graphic novel, short story, television show, song, painting, etc.) who you think captures the idea that we have an essential, shared human nature and that art reflects this reality for us.
• Explain the idea that art is truth by discussing Schelling, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and/or Heidegger. Discuss a work of art that you think illustrates this idea. For example, you might discuss a character/narrator/subject in a work of art (novel, poem, film, graphic novel, short story, television show, song, painting, etc.) who you think captures the artichoke/post-modern idea.
You might also consider the following in developing your writing
Is art mimesis/representation (as in Platonism and Aristotelian aesthetics) or is it a means of transforming the self and reality? Might it be aspirational, allowing us to achieve catharsis, as Aristotle suggests? Consider, too, how the idea of art as representation is akin to the avocado view while the idea of art as transformative is more like the artichoke view.
The idea that art represents reality by discussing Plato
Schelling argued that art is a way of accessing the unconscious mind. He believed that the unconscious mind contains the true reality, and that art can help us to tap into this reality.
Schopenhauer argued that art is a way of experiencing the world without suffering. He believed that the world is full of pain and suffering, but that art can help us to escape from this reality.
Nietzsche argued that art is a way of creating our own reality. He believed that there is no objective reality, and that we create our own reality through our own experiences and interpretations.
Heidegger argued that art is a way of revealing the truth about being. He believed that being is always changing and becoming, and that art can help us to understand this process.
A work of art that illustrates the idea that art is truth is the painting Guernica by Pablo Picasso. This painting depicts the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The painting is a powerful and moving depiction of war and suffering. It suggests that art can help us to understand the truth about the world, even the dark and painful truths.
Is art mimesis/representation or a means of transforming the self and reality?
This is a complex question that has been debated by philosophers and artists for centuries. There is no easy answer, and the answer may depend on the individual work of art and the perspective of the viewer.
Some people believe that art is simply a mimesis, or a copy of reality. They argue that art does not have the power to transform the self or reality. Others believe that art can be a transformative experience. They argue that art can help us to see the world in new ways and to change our perspective on ourselves and our lives.
I believe that art can be both mimetic and transformative. It can be a copy of reality, but it can also be a way of revealing new truths about reality. Art can also be a way of transforming the self and reality. It can help us to see the world in new ways and to change our perspective on ourselves and our lives.
Might it be aspirational, allowing us to achieve catharsis, as Aristotle suggests?
Yes, I think art can be aspirational. It can help us to imagine a better world and to strive for something greater than ourselves. Art can also help us to achieve catharsis, or a release of emotions. This can be helpful in dealing with difficult emotions, such as grief, anger, or fear.
Consider, too, how the idea of art as representation is akin to the avocado view while the idea of art as transformative is more like the artichoke view.
The avocado view of art is that art is a finished product. It is something that is created and then consumed. The artichoke view of art is that art is a process. It is something that is constantly evolving and changing.
The idea of art as representation is more akin to the avocado view. Art is seen as a copy of reality, and it is something that is created to be appreciated. The idea of art as transformative is more akin to the artichoke view. Art is seen as a way of changing the self and reality, and it is something that is constantly evolving and changing.
Ultimately, the question of whether art is mimetic or transformative is a matter of interpretation. There is no right or wrong answer, and the answer may depend on the individual work of art and the perspective of the viewer.
Plato and Aristotle on art as representation
Plato believed that art is a copy of reality, or a mimesis. He argued that there is an ideal world of Forms, which is the true reality. The physical world is a shadow of this ideal world. Art is a copy of the physical world, so it is twice removed from the truth.
Aristotle had a more positive view of art. He believed that art is a mimesis, but that it can also be a way of understanding reality. He argued that art can help us to see the universal truths that are hidden in the particulars of the world. For example, a painting of a beautiful woman can help us to understand the ideal of beauty.
A work of art that illustrates the idea that art represents reality is the painting The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli. This painting depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea. She is a beautiful woman, and her beauty is idealized. The painting suggests that Venus represents the ideal of beauty, and that art can help us to understand this ideal.
Schelling, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Heidegger on art as truth
The philosophers Schelling, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Heidegger all believed that art is a form of truth. However, they had different ideas about what this means.