Crash Course Philosophy: Understanding Art and Aesthetic Appreciation

Introduction

• Bronze Cat Statue: A statue at a university, chained to prevent theft, raises questions about whether the chain is part of the artwork.
• Key Question: Is it a chained cat statue or a statue of a chained cat?

Aesthetic Appreciation

• Definition: Pleasure derived from sensory experiences and emotions.
• Examples include:
  • Listening to music while driving
  • Posters and stickers as decoration
  • Enjoyment of sunsets, meals, and characters in media
• Aestheticians: Philosophers who study why and how aesthetic objects affect us.

Understanding Art

• Art Objects vs. Natural Beauty:
  • Art objects are human-made.
  • Natural beauty, though pleasing, might not be considered art.
• Debate on Art's Essence:
  • Is art defined by the creator's intention, or by the audience's experience?
  • Tolstoy's View: Art as an expression of the artist's emotions, communicating feelings beyond words.
  • Art might also be an emotional outlet, not meant to communicate.
• Artist's Intention vs. Audience Experience:
  • Some argue intent is crucial; others believe art can occur without intent.
  • Raises questions about accidental art and creations by non-human animals.

Art's Definition and Value

• Wittgensteinian Approach: Art defies strict definition; recognized by experience.
• Arthur Danto's Thought Exercise:
  • Identical paintings with different backstories highlight the non-physical element of art.
• Objective vs. Subjective:
  • Aesthetic appreciation is subjective, but some believe in objective criteria.

David Hume's Perspective on Art

• Distinction: "Do I like it?" (subjective) vs. "Is it good?" (objective criteria).
• Objective Aesthetic Value:
  • Humans gravitate towards health and symmetry; repelled by decay and imbalance.
  • Aesthetic taste is akin to senses, varies among individuals.
• Refinement of Taste:
  • Good taste can be innate or learned through exposure and study.
  • Nuances in art and experiences can be appreciated more deeply with knowledge.

Conclusion

• Value of Aesthetic Appreciation:
  • Provides pleasure and understanding of the world and others.
• Future topics will explore aesthetic taste development further.

Additional Information

• Production: Episode produced in association with PBS Digital Studios, filmed at the Doctor Cheryl C. Kinney Crash Course Studio.