Lecture Notes: "What Is Art?" by Leo Tolstoy

Introduction

• The essay "What Is Art?" was originally published in 1896 by Leo Tolstoy, with translation by Alymer Maude in 1899.
• Tolstoy, renowned for his literature, also explored themes in art, history, and religion.
• The modern publication includes discussion questions and references added by Julie Van Camp.

Key Concepts and Ideas

Defining Art

• Art as a Human Condition: Art should not be seen merely as a source of pleasure but as a fundamental condition of human life. It's a medium for interpersonal communication.
• Interpersonal Relationship: Art connects the creator and the audience, and among audience members, through shared emotional experiences.

Art vs. Speech

• Transmission Through Art: Unlike speech, which conveys thoughts, art transmits feelings and emotions, leading to shared experiences.

Emotional Experience and Art

• Infection of Feelings: The essence of art lies in its ability to transmit the creator's feelings to others, making them experience similar emotions.
• Examples: From laughter causing merriment to sorrow evoking sadness, art mirrors these communicative infections.

Genuine Art

• Art vs. Non-Art: True art involves the conscious sharing of emotions with the intention of uniting others in the same feeling.
• Real vs. Counterfeit Art: Genuine art infects the audience with the artist's emotions, creating a shared emotional experience.

The Role of Sincerity

• Sincerity: The sincerity of the artist profoundly affects the infectiousness of the art, enhancing its authenticity.

Measuring Art's Quality

• Infectiousness as a Measure: The degree to which art infects the audience with shared feelings is a core measure of its quality.
• Criteria for Excellence:
  1. Individuality of the feeling transmitted.
  2. Clarity of expression.
  3. Sincerity of the artist.

Art in Society

• Art and Civilization: Art is foundational to societal connection, akin to the role of language, and indispensable for human well-being.
• Broad Definition of Art: Art encompasses a wide range of human activities beyond traditional forms, such as music and painting, extending to daily expressions and rituals.

Art's Cultural and Philosophical Context

• Historical Perspectives: Throughout history, from Socrates to religious communities, art has been perceived differently, often emphasizing spiritual or communal aspects.
• Danger of Art: Some thinkers, like Plato, considered art potentially dangerous due to its powerful influence over feelings, sometimes advocating for its restriction.

Tolstoy's Critique of Contemporary Views

• Criticism of Pleasure-Centric Views: Tolstoy challenges the notion that art's value lies solely in the pleasure it provides, positing that this leads to a misunderstanding of art's true purpose.
• Distinction Between Good and Bad Art: The quality of art should be judged not just on its emotional impact but also on the nature of the feelings it conveys.

Discussion and Evaluation

• True Art: Tolstoy emphasizes that true art must evoke a genuine emotional response, creating a sense of unity among its audience.
• Evaluation of Art: The test of art's validity rests on its ability to genuinely "infect" the audience, linking their emotions with that of the artist.

Discussion Questions

• Explore how Tolstoy views the relationship between observer and artist, the role of emotion in communication through art, and the distinction between true and counterfeit art.
• Consider how sincerity and infectiousness serve as criteria for evaluating art, and the implications of these criteria.

These notes are based on excerpts from Tolstoy's "What Is Art?" and accompanying discussion questions provided by Julie Van Camp. The essay remains a significant exploration of the philosophical understanding of art and its role in human life.