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Module 1.1

Collingwood's definition of art as an activity that clarifies emotions is introduced, but faces criticism for being too narrow. Representation depicts external reality while expression conveys inner emotions or moods. The idea of art as expression persists as seen in Danto's modified version, and the essence of art is still being explored through various theories.

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33 views

Module 1.1

Collingwood's definition of art as an activity that clarifies emotions is introduced, but faces criticism for being too narrow. Representation depicts external reality while expression conveys inner emotions or moods. The idea of art as expression persists as seen in Danto's modified version, and the essence of art is still being explored through various theories.

Uploaded by

Romesor Apol
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 2

2. Art as Expression

The passage discusses the difference between expression and representation in art. Representation involves portraying
external elements like nature or human actions, while expression focuses on conveying emotions or moods. The text
introduces Collingwood's definition of art, where art is seen as an activity of clarifying emotions, with the work of art
existing primarily in the minds of the artist and audience. However, this definition faces criticisms, such as being too
narrow and excluding significant works like Shakespeare's plays. The idea that art expresses emotions is explored, with
traditional expression theories being challenged, while acknowledging that the notion of art as expression persists in
some contemporary discussions, as seen in Arthur Danto's work.

3. Formalism

The passage discusses the distinction between expression and representation in art. While representation aims to depict
external reality, expression focuses on conveying inner emotions or moods. Collingwood's proposed definition of art
emphasizes it as an activity that clarifies emotions, but faces criticism for being too narrow and excluding certain works.
The text also mentions how the idea of art as expression persists, with Arthur Danto offering a modified version, and
highlights the ongoing exploration of various theories in understanding the essence of art.

4. Art as Aesthetic

The passage discusses the concept of the aesthetic in defining art. Aesthetic refers to the intrinsic value derived from
closely attending to the sensory features of an object or an imagined world it portrays. Aesthetic definitions of art
attempt to define art based on the experience and properties that afford intrinsic value, but they face challenges,
especially when considering art movements like Dadaism, conceptual art, and performance art, which may prioritize
conveying ideas over traditional aesthetic interest. Defenders of aesthetic definitions struggle with the question of
whether aesthetic experience is unique to art and how to distinguish significant aesthetic interest in art from that in
other objects.

5. Anti- Essentialism

The passage discusses the shift away from simple functionalism in defining art, as many scholars rejected the idea that
art could be neatly defined by necessary and sufficient conditions. Instead, influenced by thinkers like Wittgenstein, they
argued for the concept of "family resemblances," suggesting that art is classified based on sets of similarities or a cluster
of properties. This approach recognizes that art is diverse and can't be easily confined to a strict definition, leading to
various perspectives that emphasize different aspects of artistic practice.

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