Explain The Aesthetic Definition Of Art. Is It Plausible

Explain the aesthetic definition of art. Is it plausible? Explain why, or why not, with specific reference to literature. The aesthetic definition of art describes art as a vehicle (Carroll, 1999) for aesthetic experience. Therefore art is only really an artwork if it triggers aesthetic responses and experiences for its audience. In other words, art is defined through aesthetics; and aesthetic experiences. There are a number of crucial elements which must be explained in order to account for the plausibility of the aesthetic definition of art. This essay will outline these key points, and arguments for and against these elements; in conjunction with examples from the text Persuasion by Jane Austen (1998) to illustrate why this†¦show more content†¦The reward for looking up a phone number is being able to use this phone number to call, send to someone or the like. The reward works of art bring are stand alone rewards. The contemplative and reflective state the artworks bring are the only desired outcomes. One does not read Jane Austen s novel Persuasion for any reason except to enjoy the l iterature and the emotional response and sense of contemplation it induces. Therefore viewers of artwork do not view the work with the intent to achieve something. The experience itself stands on its own two feet and thus clearly separates and defines art as completely different to texts such as phone numbers or dictionary definitions. Another key point in defining art through aesthetics and aesthetic experiences is that artworks are created with the intention of producing aesthetic experiences. Other literary works which are not art, are not. Again this can be highlighted through the idea of reading Jane Austen s Persuasion in comparison to reading a dictionary definition of a word. A dictionary definition is not written with any intent to cause aesthetic experience. Persuasion, on the other hand, is written with the intent of readers contemplating and reflecting over Anne s decision to break off her engagement to Wentworth; despite still being madly in love with him when they re connect years later., and he ironically is not interested in her initially. This aestheticShow MoreRelatedIs it Possible to Define ‘Art’?1656 Words   |  7 PagesDictionary’s definition of art. It is one of the many definitions and theories written in answer to the question â€Å"what is art?† However, that very question implies an inhibited and essentialist answer such as â€Å"Art is†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Throughout the centuries philosophers, critics and authors have attempted to edge us ever nearer to the evasive concept that is ‘art’. 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