Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Philosophy - Essay Example He prioritizes the realistic form of visual arts rather than the abstract form (Wolff 323). There are different points in the view presented by Tolstoy. The view regarding the importance of the representation and expression of culture and morality in the artworks is a very important aspect of viewing the significance of art. This can be attributed to the fact that the artworks being a product of human being’s creativity and experiences can ultimately represent his true nature. Culture and norms encapsulate the experiences of human beings. Thus, what Tolstoy expressed in his view is correct. On the other hand, the definition of art cannot be limited by the number of people who can relate and appreciate the price of artwork. When he Tolstoy said that the best art is the most widely accessible art because it can better communicate with audience, he limits the capability of the people who observes the artwork to realism. He is right about the subjectivity of beauty but he can be wrong because his view stressed the failed to recognize that viewing art is subjective. Even the culture and morality that he is using as a guideline for his judgment can be subjective. In conclusion then, if Tolstoy is right about judging that the best art is the most widely accessible ones, why do surrealists and other unconventional artists still being appreciated? It is because their works also mirror the realities of life. Every product of human creativity on a personal point of view represents culture, thus, even in the absence of beauty or reality in the picture that is painted, it is still considered as art. Being the best or the worst art is judged only by subjectivity of the Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 19 Philosophy - Essay Example Humans therefore must carry out all actions and functions that make them into human beings and distinguish them from animals. Aristotle concludes that what distinguishes human beings from animals is their capacity of rational thinking. We are therefore happy as human beings when we do well what makes us human and distinguishes us from other species. But to seek happiness and fulfillment is not all that makes us human – human beings are also inherently very social beings and are political animals (Politics I.2) who seek to live in communities. Aristotle thinks that the state is the highest form of community, but at this point we should bear in mind that at his time the form of state and government Aristotle was most familiar with was the Greek polis, or city state, a relatively small entity both in geographic terms and in terms of population size. To Aristotle the polis encompasses all other human associations, from the family nucleus to clans to trade associations. A polis must have a constitution by which the lives of all citizens are organized and it must have a ruler, or law giver. It is important that the polis aims to achieve the highest good for all its citizens. In turn, as human beings are political animals, they can only achieve the good life by organizing themselves as citizens in a state. Citizenship may include holding a public office or serving as an administrator, but always includes some form of direct involvement and service rendered to the polis. Aristotle has three steps in mind, according to the age of a citizen: at a young age a citizen should serve as a soldier to defend his state, in middle age he should hold a public or administrative office and as an older citizen he should carry out religious duties. Citizens should be awarded for their efforts depending how much they have contributed to the running of the state. Aristotle warns against excess in any form and advocates moderation and inclusiveness. The rich and the poor should