Second Blog Posting - Video and Article Review

1. For each video and article list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Aesthetics: Philosophy of the Arts- This video explains that aesthetics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the feelings aroused in us by sensory experiences such as seeing and hearing. The utilization of aesthetics in comparing art defines what is beautiful or artistic. Art by purpose is created to be beautiful in order to provide pleasure, but this pleasure can be emotional or intellectual. What some may define as emotionally beautiful others may define and intellectually beautiful.  The idea of beauty is what aesthetics aims to define as a whole. The video discusses the different theories of aesthetics philosophers have developed throughout time.

CARTA- This video provides a way of viewing art and explaining the process of art in a scientific way. The speakers explain that art is in constant evolution. Art expresses some form of emotion, knowledge or experience without language. The speaker states there are many rules of art, which go beyond cultural influences.

CNN- This article explains how the brain interprets art and defines what is beautiful. The brain interprets the meaning of a piece of art. People are vastly different and for this reason, many view art differently, but because each person’s brains on a neurological level are similar, everyone views beauty similarly. 

 

2. Which philosopher's theory on aesthetics do you feel is most important? Be sure to mention the philosophers name, era (time in history), and contribution to the aesthetic theory in your response.

I feel that Plato’s theory on aesthetics in the 5th century is the most important. Plato considered beauty to be the idea above all other ideas. That there is a beauty by which all things are beautiful.  I believe that this concept originated a specific definition of what beauty is. It formed the foundation by which future artists would expand on these ideals.

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 speakers lecture?

Changeux and Ramachandran have a very scientific way of viewing art and explaining the process of art. Changeux views art from an evolutionary aspect, which explains different forms of art. It is interesting that he believes art expresses some form of emotion, knowledge or experience without language.  Ramachandran views art from a scientific aspect, which explains different forms of art.  He believes that there are universal underlining principles of art, which go beyond cultural disciplines. I think it was interesting how he defined how the brain works. He stated that even with art the brain seeks to find a solution to what art is and solve the problem. Then after we solve the problem, the brain receives a jolt, which is the positive feeling people feel when solving such problems.

4. How do the videos and article relate to the readings in the text?

The videos and article define how art is perceived, as do the readings in the textbook. Many people perceive art differently especially those that created art and those that view it.  

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 think that the films and article provide a better understanding to what the text illustrates. It was hard for me to fully understand the text and be able to define art. After watching  the videos and reading the article I was able to better understand what the text meant and able to come up with my own conclusions. The videos were a bit dull, but very interesting and I would recommend these videos going along with the text.