Aesthetics Flashcards
Outline the family resemblance theory
Something is “art” if it contains the common features that all art has, even though art can vary.
Outline the expressionist theory
Art should express, and produce a release of emotion. (ie. catharsis)
Outline the Art as imitation theory
Art should capture and convey reality
Outline the institutional theory
Something is “art” if it has been given that status by the artist or gallery owner.
Outline the art as representation that conveys truth
Art should give us a profound insight into our lives, and find truth
Outline the intentional theory
In order to judge a piece of art we have to understand the intentions of the artist
Outline the formalist theory
Art should achieve technical beauty through its form, or the selection and arrangement of particular elements that from which it is composed
Outline the subjectivist theory
Any aesthetic judgement is subjective and therefore can only tell us about person making the judgement, and nothing about the art itself
Outline the aesthetic emotion theory
Art should give audiences pleasure from the aesthetics of the art
Hume: what is beauty?
Beauty exists only in the mind. It is not something that exists within an object.
Hume: does everyone have the same idea of beauty?
No, because tastes vary. We all have standards for beauty that align with our tastes.
Hume: should we argue over art?
Where taste is concerned, there is no judgement. The critics are the only people who can tell you which of two conflicting arguments is correct.
What makes someone a “critic” or a “true judge”
People who are highly educated, free of prejudice, experienced in the field, and have delicacy of taste
What is delicacy of taste?
Being more perceptive of the smaller details of the art, and able to analyse it
What is the problem with the idea that “the critics will tell you”
It undervalues the opinions of “ordinary people”, artists don’t always aim their artwork at the critics, and some art is meant to not be understood
