Implications of Plato’s and Aristotle’s Philosophy in Art Education: Focusing on the Discussion of Art
Keywords:
Techne, Mimesis, Catharsis, Aesthetic issues, Art educationAbstract
This study aims to draw implications for art education from the artistic thought and aesthetic concerns of the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle. To this end, this paper first examines the artistic discussions and aesthetic issues pursued by Plato and Aristotle, respectively, and then focuses on the discussions that revolved around their opposing views on the concepts of the techne , mimesis, and catharsis, and the main implications for art education that can be drawn from them. Firstly, the concept of techne was discussed in relation to mimesis, and while Plato had a negative attitude towards mimesis, Aristotle understood mimesis in a positive light. Furthermore, the two philosophers took completely different positions on the intense emotions in tragedy: whereas Plato warned against them, Aristotle offered an interpretation of the positive effects and role of catharsis. Based on these discussions, this book can draw implications for art education from both of them: from Plato, the aesthetic issues and methods necessary for visual and cultural art education, and from Aristotle, the value and meaning of representation, the enjoyment of artistic creation, and the criticisms related to art therapy. This article also emphasizes the importance of aesthetic and philosophical methods and reflection on the direction of art education as a public education from the thoughts of the two philosophers.
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