1. For each video and article list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-In the Aesthetics: Philosophy of the Arts videos, the key concepts for me were the evolution of how we describe aesthetics today. Beginning with the very early ideas of Plato, who believed art was just imperfect copies of a perfect idea and that only one idea could present itself through the senses, and that idea was beauty. Plato held a low opinion of artists and poets and focused more on the idea that, "There is a beauty by which all things are beautiful." Throughout the video we are introduced to several theories by some of the most famous philosophers to touch base on each of the different ideas. Over time each one had their own ideas on aesthetics and added something to the way beauty is seen. While Plato didn't even consider artists or poets to understand aesthetics, over time aesthetics grew to not only be part of art and poetry, but also music, playwriting, sculpting, and many other art forms.
-In the CARTA video, Evolutionary Origins of Art and Aesthetics, the key concepts explained the connection between science and art. How the human brain responds to art, why some art produces pleasure to our minds, and how artists intentionally create art to have powerful effects on the mind. Every act of perception involves judgement. There is an aesthetic "jolt" when the brain figures something out through viewing art.
-In the CNN Article, "What the Brain Draws From: Art and Neuroscience" the idea that art is created by artists who have figured out how to create an illusion of something that is not there and to make it feel real and bring pleasure. Humans recognize familiar things in art. The article describes elements within art that humans recognize and drawn to such as lines, faces, color, and expression. I found Picasso's quote to be really interesting, "Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth..." because even with all of the exaggerations and distortions within art, the brain always causes us to see the reality even if it is not the objective reality.
2. Which philosophers theory on aesthetics do you feel is most important? Be sure to mention name, era, and contribution.
Each philosopher introduced a lot of important ideas to contribute to aesthetics. It is hard to say which would be considered most important, but if I had to pick just one, I would say Arthur Schopenhauer of the 18th century not not only had a great theory, but believed music was the highest of the fine arts, the romantic art, and the art of his century. His most important contribution to aesthetics was his theory on music as the "embodiment of will." Schopenhauer believed that, "Music above all, embodies the will to live through its incessant momentum and energy." Schopenhauer saw aesthetic contemplation as a way to escape pain or suffering. I think this is something almost everyone can relate to. There are always times in life when we want to escape. Life can be hard and challenging at times but there are ways to see the beauty again and I think that one of the most common escapes to peace for people is music. Schopenhauer deemed music to be "a timeless, universal, language which is comprehended everywhere, and can imbue global enthusiasm, if in possession of a significant melody."
3. What do you think about Changeux and Ramachandran scientific view of aesthetics and art? What was the most interesting fact you discovered from each speaker's lecture?
I think Changeux and Ramachandran's scientific view of aesthetics and art was really interesting. I have never really thought about the science of art before and Ramachandran speaking about science and humanities meeting in the human brain was fascinating. Although I thought that all of his examples explaining the 8 Laws of Aesthetics were interesting, I really tapped into the rule of symmetry. Symmetry is appealing universally and even animals have a preference to symmetry. Ramachandran explains that in nature, most biological objects are symmetrical. Animals coming into contact with prey, predator, or a mate is arousing. Symmetrical architecture in famous buildings such as the Taj Mahal does not have to be there but it is pleasing to look at. I liked this part of his lecture because it gave me insight as to why I have a personal preference toward symmetrical things. I definitely favor symmetrical art and even in decorating or arranging things in my house, I obsess about the balance.
4. How do the videos and article relate to the readings in the text?
The videos and articles relate to the readings in the text because somehow art is always linked to beauty. While the text explains what art is and different types of art whether it be representational, abstract, or nonrepresentational, no matter what style or meaning within the art, there is always an aesthetics in the work that comes from the artist and is seen by the audience.
5. What is your opinion of the films and article? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics in your reading in the text?
I really enjoyed the Aesthetics video and I thought it was valuable to hear a little bit about several of the philosopher's theory. The video definitely opened my mind to some new ideas about what it means for something to be beautiful and what beauty and aesthetics means to me. Honestly the CARTA film was almost over my head, especially with Changeux's heavy accent I found it hard to follow (Even when turning on the captions, which were way off!). I did enjoy Ramachandran's lecture and thought that the 8 laws of aesthetics were really fascinating, especially when he was giving examples of each one. The article was really helpful in tying everything together because I think the article laid out the ideas in the most simplest form. The understanding of aesthetics is much deeper that what we have read (so far) in the text. The videos and article really added a deeper understanding of the complexity of aesthetics within art.
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