RÉUSSIR EN PHILO - L'Art - Terminale

Art and Its Significance

The discussion delves into the debate surrounding art, its presence in everyday life, and the purpose it serves.

The Debate on Art

• The boundary between what constitutes art remains a subject of debate.

• Street art is proposed as a category that could be displayed in museums, raising questions about the purpose of art.

Art in Everyday Life

• Art is omnipresent, from manga to architectural marvels like the Arc de Triomphe.

• Despite its prevalence, the function and necessity of art for viewers are questioned.

Functions of Art

• Unlike other human productions with clear utility, art's functions extend beyond practicality to include entertainment and inspiration.

• Certain timeless artworks underscore the enduring value of art throughout history.

Understanding Art: Creation and Value

This segment explores the nature of art as a cultural object created by humans, emphasizing its uniqueness and immortality compared to utilitarian items.

Definition of an Artwork

• An artwork is a cultural object crafted by humans, distinct from utilitarian items due to its contemplative nature.

• Unlike artisanal objects bound by strict production rules, art allows for freedom in creation.

Uniqueness of Artworks

• Works of art are deemed unique compared to artisanal objects due to their creative essence.

• Immortality is attributed to artworks as they transcend utility and offer insights into different eras.

The Aesthetics of Art

This part delves into the concept of beauty in art, exploring whether aesthetic judgments are subjective or objective.

Beauty in Art

• The significance of beauty in artworks raises questions about subjective versus objective aesthetic judgments.

New Section

In this section, the discussion revolves around the concept of beauty and aesthetic relativism.

Beauty as Subjective

• Beauty is subjective and depends on individual taste.

• Voltaire's quote highlights that beauty is perceived differently by each person.

Defending Beauty

• When finding something beautiful, there is a desire to defend one's viewpoint and persuade others.

• The complexity arises when asserting an object's beauty as more than just a subjective opinion.

Aesthetic Judgment

• Distinguishing between judgments of pleasantness and beauty; the latter implies universality in its appeal.

• Debates can arise even when considering universally beautiful objects like the Arc de Triomphe.

Exploring Aesthetic Judgment

This section delves into the nature of aesthetic judgment and its objectivity.

Objectivity in Aesthetic Judgment

• Kant suggests that to judge taste, one must be indifferent to the existence of the object being judged.

• Aesthetic judgment focuses on appreciating an object without personal attachment or moral implications.

Subjectivity vs. Universality

• Striving for objectivity in aesthetic judgment may lead to endless debates due to inherent subjectivity.

• Personal preferences may not align with traditional notions of beauty, showcasing individual interpretations.

Artistic Revelation and Perception

This segment explores how art reveals truths and influences perception.

Artistic Revelation

• Anish Kapoor's works exemplify how art can evoke emotions beyond conventional ideas of beauty.

Bergson's Perspective

• Henri Bergson posits that artists reveal reality by altering it, allowing viewers to perceive truth unclouded by daily routines.

Distorted Reality

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the purpose and significance of art, emphasizing its unique nature compared to other human creations.

Understanding the Purpose of Art

• The speaker questions the utility of art, highlighting that it serves a different function compared to other human-made objects.

• Art is described as unique and immortal, with its value derived from its beauty.

• The discussion delves into the aesthetic judgment dilemma, distinguishing between subjective and objective aspects in evaluating art.

• Art is portrayed as a matter of taste, involving aesthetic relativism and historical context.

• The distinction between the beautiful and the agreeable is explored as part of addressing aesthetic judgment challenges.