Interpretation of Friedrich G.W.F. Hegel Introduction to Aesthetics
This introduction is about aesthetics,
beauty and fine art. The traditional
term of aesthetics applies to the science of sensation and feeling. In this introduction, aesthetics will have
the meaning of philosophy of fine art. Beauty and aesthetics have more to offer than
conventional associations with nature because of their potential to transcend
the material. Aesthetics is “born of
the spirit and born again.” This
perspective allows aesthetics to be reviewed in light of all its
possibilities.
Is scientific inquiry the best
method for the evaluation of fine art? Traditional
notions of art convey associations with indulgences, relaxation and
luxury. The nature of art does not
suggest scientific seriousness, and art is generally defended on its
practicality, with emphasize on morality and piety. Scientific inquiry works in the realm of
reason and duty. Art does not; it is
forever in between the evaluative measures of science. Art can achieve the higher realms, but it can
only do so as a means. It does not
reveal a truth through and by itself. It
refers to a truth through representations, or deceptions. The beauty of art comes from the senses,
feeling, intuition and the imagination.
These forms of thought are generally outside the realm of reason and
scientific inquiry. The
freedoms inherent to art reject the observational boundaries of scientific
inquiry. It is in art’s nature to thrive
in freedom and thereby stimulating the creative imagination to move beyond
itself. The scientific method is
incapable of evaluating art because it reduces artistic elements until there is
no context, and it removes the imaginative forms of thought that are revelatory
to creative interpretation and the formation of meaning.
Art lives as a part of life, not
independent from it. It is necessary to
consider how art works within its means. Fine art occurs when a work brings out the
divine; when it honestly reflects the human condition and deeper levels of
understanding. Art is sometimes the sole
key to the understanding of other cultures.
It is through their philosophical and religious beliefs depicted by
their art that gives us insight to their society. The “sensuous reality” is struck first, and
it acts as a bridge between pure thought, the external, our senses and
nature. Once engaged, we have the
capacity to generate “infinite freedom of conceptual thinking.” Art works by stimulating our inner world and
imagination through depictions that our senses can relate.
Art enhances reality by transforming
ordinary objects so they can be contemplated at higher spiritual levels. The reality and truth of an object is found
within itself. However, art imitates the
object in relation to the human condition.
The infusion of human sentiment and feeling elevates the object beyond
its basic existence. In this manner,
fine art gives meaning to the mundane.
Art may be considered deceptive, but
it is less deceptive than the tools of History and Moral Philosophy. History is bound to the specific details of
an event or a person, and it can only document what was. Art is free to interpret and ponder History
without restriction. Art can forward
notions of governance and generate new ideas that improve the human
condition. Symbolic references that are
religious or moral in nature tend to present themselves as factual
representations of specific ideas. Art does
not claim truth, and as such, encourages the conceptual freedom to generate
ideas beyond itself and the object. History
and Religious Philosophy tend to be static, they are based on particulars and they
silently claim to be a truth. Art is
dynamic, makes no claims of truth, speaks to universals and it encourages
freedom of thought.
Art has changed over time. Art was directly linked with the search for
religious enlightenment and truth. However,
those notions have been abandoned.
Today, art is presented for immediate enjoyment and judgment. Judgment is the addition of the intellect to
pronounce opinions based on the feelings art evokes and its relative
meaning. Unfortunately, most people are
not educated in fine art, and their general approach is skewed through their
own individual needs and desires.
There is a theory that human
comprehension estranges man from nature.
That is, the formation of concepts removes us from the reality of the
things we perceive. Based on this
theory, art removes us from nature, rather than bringing us closer. However, thinking is reflective of the inner
spirit, and it is always true to its nature.
The conceptual ideas created by the spirit, “are themselves of a
spiritual kind.” Art thrives near the
spirit, more so than concepts of the purely material. As thinking is intrinsic to the spirit, the
spirit is only satisfied when thinking has completed its function. People are brought closer to nature as the
creative mind generates deeper meaning than just notions of materiality.
Art can be evaluated through a
philosophy of fine art. However, not
all art should be considered fine art.
Natural artistic boundaries form from the shared universal ideals of the
human spirit. While there are all kinds
of art, only fine art has the ability to engage the spirit and compel it to
manifest and generate ideas reflective of the human condition.
Works Cited
Hegel, G.W.F. Introduction to Aesthetics. Art
623, Aesthetics. Tiffin University. N.d. Web. Sept 1, 2013
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