Module 2 - Functions and Philosophical Perspectives of Art

• What does "Telos" refer to in the context of art?


  Every substance has an end or purpose
• How does a thing's purpose relate to its identity?


  Purpose, function, and identity are vital relationships
• What is the human end according to the lesson?


  To be happy and fulfilled
• How can humans reach their end of happiness?

  By rationality
• What happens when something fails to perform its end?

  It loses its identity
• Who coined the phrase "Art for art’s sake"?

  Victor Cousin
• What does the inquiry on the function of art seek to discover?

  What art is for
• What are the personal functions of art?

  • Self-expression
  • Entertainment
  • Therapeutic value
• What is a personal function of art related to communication?

  Self-expression
• How does art serve as entertainment?


  By wanting to entertain the audience
• What therapeutic value does art provide?


  It lessens stress and improves happiness
• What are the social functions of art?

  • Addresses collective interests or issues
  • Influences collective behavior
  • Expresses collective aspects of existence
• What does Feldman state about art's social function?

  All works of art perform a social function
• What is a physical function of art?

  Created to serve a physical purpose
• According to Plato, what is art considered?


  A mere imitation of reality
• What does Plato believe about the World of Forms?

  It contains perfect things
• How does Plato view the role of education in achieving rationality?

  It is necessary to gain rationality
• What is Plato's stance on including art in the school curriculum?

  He was against its inclusion
• How does art appeal to people according to Plato?

  It appeals to emotion over rationality
• What does Aristotle say about art in relation to philosophy?

  Art is an aid to philosophy
• What is the cornerstone of art according to Immanuel Kant?

  Judgment of beauty
• What are the two purposes of art according to Aristotle?

  Experience of pleasure and instructing audience
• What is disinterested judgment in art?

  Judging beauty without personal pleasure
• How does art elicit feelings of satisfaction?

  By possessing beauty as its property
• What does Leo Tolstoy say about art's communication?

  It communicates emotions felt by the artist
• How does good art communicate its meaning?

  In a way understood by everyone
• What is the social dimension of art according to Tolstoy?

  • Mechanism for social unity
  • Mechanism for social cohesion