Reading the 20 pages Hospers Problems of Aesthetics.pdf reading and answer the questions.
1. Explain what it means to take the aesthetic perspective (attitude), that is to view something aesthetically.
2. What is art according to Hospers.
3. Explain the kinds or art as enumerated by Hospers.
4. Explain (differentiate) subject matter, representation, and meaning in art.
5. Explain sensuous value, formal value, and life value in art.
6. What is Isolationalism?
7. What is contextualism?
8. Which are you? Why?
9. What is moral value and how, if at all, it is related to aesthetic value?
10. Explain Aestheticism
11. Explain Interactionism
12. Explain Aristotle’s theory of Catharsis
13. Explain an Objectivist view of Aesthetic Value
14. Explain a Subjectivist view of Aesthetic value.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Exploring Key Concepts in Aesthetics: Insights from Hospers’ Work
1. Aesthetic Perspective
Taking the aesthetic perspective entails viewing something from an aesthetic standpoint, focusing on its beauty, form, and emotional impact rather than solely on its practical or utilitarian value. It involves appreciating the sensory and emotional experience elicited by an object or artwork.
2. Definition of Art by Hospers
According to Hospers, art is a human creation that embodies aesthetic qualities and is intended to evoke emotional or intellectual responses in viewers. Art transcends mere functionality and serves as a medium for expressing ideas, emotions, and perceptions.
3. Kinds of Art by Hospers
Hospers enumerates various kinds of art, including visual arts (painting, sculpture), literature (poetry, novels), performing arts (music, dance), and architecture. Each kind of art employs distinct forms of expression and aesthetics.
4. Subject Matter, Representation, and Meaning in Art
– Subject Matter: Refers to the content or theme depicted in an artwork.
– Representation: The manner in which the subject matter is depicted or portrayed in the artwork.
– Meaning: The underlying message, symbolism, or interpretation conveyed by the artwork beyond its literal representation.
5. Sensuous Value, Formal Value, and Life Value in Art
– Sensuous Value: Relates to the sensory appeal and emotional impact of an artwork, such as its color palette, texture, and visual allure.
– Formal Value: Focuses on the artistic elements and principles employed in the composition, including balance, harmony, proportion, and technique.
– Life Value: Reflects the deeper philosophical, cultural, or social significance of the artwork and its relevance to human existence.
6. Isolationalism
Isolationalism posits that the aesthetic value of an artwork should be considered independently of external factors such as the artist’s intent, historical context, or societal influences. It emphasizes the intrinsic qualities of the artwork itself.
7. Contextualism
Contextualism argues that understanding and interpreting art necessitates considering external factors such as the artist’s background, cultural milieu, historical context, and audience reception. Contextualism asserts that meaning and value are shaped by contextual influences.
8. Personal Standpoint
I align more with contextualism as I believe that grasping the full richness and significance of art requires acknowledging the broader context in which it is created and perceived. Contextual factors enrich our understanding and appreciation of artworks.
9. Moral Value and Aesthetic Value
Moral value pertains to ethical considerations and principles embedded within an artwork, while aesthetic value concerns the sensory, emotional, and intellectual pleasure derived from its beauty and form. The relationship between moral and aesthetic value can vary based on individual interpretations and ethical frameworks.
10. Aestheticism
Aestheticism advocates for prioritizing aesthetic values above all other considerations, emphasizing beauty, harmony, and sensory pleasure in art. Aestheticism values art for its intrinsic aesthetic qualities rather than its moral or utilitarian functions.
11. Interactionism
Interactionism posits that the aesthetic experience arises from the dynamic interaction between the viewer and the artwork. It emphasizes the role of perception, interpretation, and personal engagement in shaping one’s aesthetic response to art.
12. Aristotle’s Catharsis
Aristotle’s theory of catharsis suggests that through experiencing art, particularly tragic drama, individuals undergo a purgation of emotions like fear and pity. Catharsis serves as a form of emotional cleansing and psychological release through artistic engagement.
13. Objectivist View of Aesthetic Value
An objectivist view posits that aesthetic value is inherent in the artwork itself, independent of individual preferences or subjective interpretations. It emphasizes objective criteria such as artistic skill, composition, and universal standards of beauty.
14. Subjectivist View of Aesthetic Value
In contrast, a subjectivist view contends that aesthetic value is subjective and varies based on individual perceptions, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. Subjectivism highlights the role of personal taste and subjective experiences in shaping one’s aesthetic judgments.
