ART
APPRECIATION
Functions & Philosophical
Perspective
on Art
Objectives
distinguished between directly
01 and indirectly functional art
learn basic philosophical
perspective on art 02
recognize function of some
03 art in daily life
apply concepts and theories on
beauty and aesthetic in real life 04
scenarios
“Telos”
= Purpose
What is the artist's
purpose in creating an
artwork?
What functions does the
art have?
Does the function make
an object a work of art?
The personal functions of art are diverse and
subjective, depending on the individual,
particularly the artist. Art may serve as a means of
self-expression or entertainment for both the
creator and the audience. Sometimes, art may not
have any intended meaning at all. Additionally, art
can have therapeutic effects, such as helping
individuals process emotions or alleviate stress, as
seen in the use of adult coloring books. These
various personal functions highlight the wide
range of purposes art can serve for individuals.
Art serves a social function when it addresses
broader societal concerns rather than personal
interests. Political art is a prominent example,
conveying messages of protest or social
commentary. Additionally, art can depict social
conditions, such as poverty, to evoke emotional
responses and raise awareness. Photography
captures such conditions, while performance art like
plays or satires can mobilize audiences toward
social change. Overall, the social function of art is
evident in its ability to engage with and reflect
upon societal issues.
Physical function of arts simply means going
beyond pure aesthetic expression and serving
practical purposes, enhancing usability or fulfilling
specific needs in various fields. Some of the
examples includes industrial design, architecture,
and applied arts like furniture design. These forms
of art aim to merge creativity with functionality,
serving a purpose beyond mere decoration.
MUSIC facilitate worship and invocation to God
assures synchronicity among dancers
express feelings and emotions
used for stage plays
SCULPTURES religion
commemorate important figures
cultural identity
ARCHITECTURES religion and cultural expression
shelter
business
hassle-free transportation
Does art always have to be
functional?
Philosophical
Perspective
ART AS AN IMITATION
Art as an Imitation Plato in his masterpiece, The Republic, particularly
paints a picture of artists as imitators and art as mere imitation.
First, Plato is critical of the effects of art, specifically, poetry on the
people of the ideal state.
Socrates is worried that art objects represent only the things in this
world, couples themselves of reality As such, in the dialogue,
Socrates claimed that art is just an imitation of an imitation.
The arts then are to be banished, alongside the practitioners, so that
the attitudes and actions of the members of the Republic will not be
corrupted by the influence of the arts.
For Plato, art is dangerous because it provides a petty replacement
for the real entities that can only be attained through reason.
ART AS A REPRESENTATION
Art as a Representation Aristotle, Plato's most
important student in philosophy, agreed with his
teacher that art is a form of imitation.
In contrast to the disgust that his master holds for art,
Aristotle considered art as an aid to philosophy in
revealing truth.
For Aristotle, all kinds of art, including poetry, music,
dance, painting, and sculpture, do not aim to
represent reality as it is.
Unlike Plato who thought that art is an imitation of
another imitation, Aristotle conceived of art as
representing possible versions of reality
ART AS A DISINTERESTED
JUDGEMENT
IMMANUEL KANT
In his writing “Critique of Judgement,” he
considered the judge of beauty to be
universal despite its subjectivity.
A disinterested judgment is a judgment
that is not influenced by personal desires,
biases, or emotions. It is entirely based on
reason and objective criteria. Kant
believed that a disinterested judgment is
the highest form of judgment, as it allows
for a more accurate and comprehensive
understanding of the world around us.
ART AS A
COMMUNICATION OF EMOTION
Cambodia: Angkor Wat
THANK
YOU!
