Aesthetics: Absolute or Relative

Schuckdaddy · Alley Cat Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 188 Location: Oregon

One thing I've noticed is that typically Christians believe in "absolutes" but when it come to art and media its seem that the majority view swings to relativism. By this I mean that most people, I have talked to, think that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

So on the topic of art(by art I mean all the arts: painting, music, literature, dance, theater, movies, etc.):

Is there such a thing as good art and bad art?

What determines if art is good or bad?

Is there a standard to which we can hold art?

What is the purpose of art?

Is there universal characteristics that all arts possess?

theseldomscene · Banned Joined: 17 Mar 2005 Posts: 7817

i heard once...

"there is no such thing as art...only artists"...

whether that is true or not depends on ones philosophy....i would think...but i don't know...

graphicsguy · Alley Cat Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 198

Hmmm...a most intriguing, thought-provoking question. Plus I liked what you said about absolutes and relativism. Yes, Christians aren't supposed to be "tainted by the world" or anything, but it often seems as if they/we are the most knowledgable when it comes to modern entertainment and such.

Is there such a thing as good art and bad art?

Speaking from a moral perspective I would say anything that promotes the hurt of another would be bad art.

Personally speaking, yes beauty is in the eye/ear/nose/mouth/touch of the beholder. There is a lot of "art" that would refer to as "crap".

What determines if art is good or bad?

The end-user, period. In no way can any organization enforce their view of "beauty" upon you. Beauty becomes a false commodity then.

Is there a standard to which we can hold art?

No, because we all pick our personal standards. "I like this because it is similar to my favorite."

What is the purpose of art?

Expression for the artist. Their way of achieving notariety among the common and mundane.

Is there universal characteristics that all arts possess?

Yes, it all relates to the human experience. Art from an alien would be utterly alien to ourselves since their experiences very likely would be utterly different from our own. With books or movies, people won't like them if they are too far outside of their experiences or simply unbelievable.