The Perspective of Plato and Aristotle on the Value of Art Essays

The Perspective of Plato and Aristotle on the Value of Art    As literary critics, Plato and Aristotle disagree profoundly about the value of art in human society. Plato attempts to strip artists of the power and prominence they enjoy in his society, while Aristotle tries to develop a method of inquiry to determine the merits of an individual work of art. It is interesting to note that these two disparate notions of art are based upon the same fundamental assumption: that art is a form of mimesis, imitation. Both philosophers are concerned with the artist's ability to have significant impact on others. It is the imitative function of art which promotes disdain in Plato and curiosity in Aristotle. Examining the reality that art professes to imitate, the process of imitation, and the inherent strengths and weaknesses of imitation as a form of artistic expression may lead to understanding how these conflicting views of art could develop from a seemingly similar premise.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Both philosophers hold radically different notions of reality. The assumptions each man makes about truth, knowledge, and goodness directly affect their specific ideas about art. For Plato, art imitates a world that is already far removed from authentic reality, Truth. Truth exists only in intellectual abstraction, that is, paradoxically, more real than concrete objects. The universal essence, the Idea, the Form of a thing, is more real and thus more important than its physical substance. The physical world, the world of appearances experienced through the senses, does not harbor reality. This tangible world is an imperfect reflection of the universal world of Forms. Human observations based on these reflections are, therefore, highly suspect. At b... ... the definition derived by each philosopher is profoundly different. In order to construct a coherent, wide-ranging philosophy, art and its impact on society must be reckoned with, whether as an imitation of a system far removed or a system in our midst. The process of imitation is used in both cases to promote the particular version of reality espoused by each man. While such a study is beneficial in tracing the philosophical conflict regarding the usage and importance of imitation in art, what is most apparent, perhaps, is the discovery that language itself is an imperfect imitation of meaning, capable of fostering such conflicts. Works Cited: Aristotle. "Poetics" The Critical Tradition. Ed., David H. Richter, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989. Plato. "Republic, Book X" The Critical Tradition. Ed., David H. Richter, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989.

Empathy in To Kill A Mockingbird Essay

In the grand scheme of things, each of us is working hard to see ourselves prosper. When we are fighting for survival, why should any of us take the time to feel for our fellow human beings? In her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee implies that having the ability to feel for others or to show empathy not only benefits others, but can lead to personal gains as well. This is best demonstrated through the characters of Atticus, Jem, and Scout Finch. An obvious example of this claim is through the character of Atticus Finch. Because of Atticus’ ability to empathize with everyone, he is well respected by the town, even when he is doing some controversial things such as defending Tom Robinson. Atticus’ use of empathy is apparent during the trial, where Atticus is blaming Mayella Ewell for falsely accusing Tom Robinson of rape. Rather than explicitly attacking Mayella, Atticus says, â€Å"I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness of state, but my pity d oes not extend so far as to her putting a man’s life at stake.† (Lee-203). Atticus is still delivering the same basic message, but rather than blatantly accusing Mayella of lying, he is empathizing with her and in a way justifying her actions, however wrong they may have been. By conveying his points in ways that do not make others feel like they are being personally attacked, Atticus is a well-respected member of society. We learn of the extent of this respect when Scout complains: â€Å"Despite Atticus’ shortcomings as a parent, people were content to reelect him to the state legislature without opposition. I came to the conclusion that people were just peculiar.† (Lee- 243). Even after he lost the controversial Tom Robinson case, the town still elected Atticus to serve on the state legislature since he was so respected because of his ability to empathize with each and every member of Maycomb. We also see this empathy in Jem, who clearly demonstrates more understanding by the end of the novel. We first get a glimpse of this after he helped end Ms. Dubose’s morphine addiction before her eventual death. After she dies, Jem receives a white camellia flower from Ms. Dubose. At first, Jem is angry, since he thinks Ms. Dubose is getting back at him, but Atticus explains how Ms. Dubose was a brave lady because she was able to end her morphine addiction  before she died. â€Å"Jem pic ked up the camellia, and when I went off to bed, I saw him fingering the wide petals.† (Lee-112). Jem is listening to Atticus’ advice and is trying to empathize with Ms. Dubose, whom he is finally able to respect. We see Jem’s newfound maturity develop throughout the novel. After Atticus loses the case, Jem begins to make sense of the world. â€Å"If everyone’s alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other? Scout, I think I’m beginning to understand why Boo Radley’s stayed shut up in the house all this time†¦ it’s because he wants to stay inside.† (Lee-227). Jem is obviously maturing when he empathizes with Boo Radley, a character everyone despises despite not even knowing him. As he makes sense of the world, Jem begins to empathize with even the most unlikely of people, leading to increased wisdom. Even Scout, the least mature and most clueless of the Finches, learns the skill of empathy by the end of the novel. Initially, Scout was always quick to judge others and saw things only as black or white. She saw Aunt Alexandra as mean and unfair. However, she changes her opinion after seeing her aunt stay calm and ladylike even after ne ws of Tom Robinson’s death. â€Å"After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I.† (Lee-237). Scout is beginning to respect Aunt Alexandra for her positive aspects, rather than showing disdain for her shortcomings. Scout also demonstrates a heightened sense of understanding to Boo Radley, specifically, when Boo wants Scout to walk him home. â€Å"I would lead him through our house, but I would never lead him home.† (Lee- 278). Scout understands that it would be embarrassing to Boo to have an eight year old girl leading him home and it would give possible onlookers the wrong impression. Instead, Scout had Boo hold her hand so it would look like he is walking Scout, which would seem normal. By empathizing with people she once did not respect, Scout has obviously come a long way from the immature little girl that she was at the start of the novel. Empathy is not just there to make us feel good about ourselves. Rather, the ability to empathize makes us better human beings and it lifts society up as well. The Finch family is a shining example of this ability to empathize, a s they combat racism in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Essay on sexual education in high schools

Essay on â€Å"Effectiveness of sex education programs in high schools† This essay reveals the main issues related to sex education that is being lectured for young generation in high schools. It highlights the array of topics included into the program, and the impact of the programs based on the researches and surveys conducted among young people after the lectures they listened to about sexual education. Introduction Sexual activity of teenagers is a matter of a serious concern today, which is why many high schools have implemented a comprehensive sexual education subject to somehow delay the initiation of sexual activity. Since the school is in the regular contact with teenagers, it can have an impact on young people, sex Ed behaviour seems to be an effective way to provide young people with knowledge that will allow them to take proper decisions based on the information they can be provided at the lectures. What does comprehensive sex education really mean? Frequently â€Å"sex ed† is mistakenly interpreted by lots of people, who believe that it is related to exceptionally narrow behavior such as sexual intercourse. In fact, this topic includes an array of information that refers to the question of sexuality. It covers relationships between individuals of the opposite sex, ways to prevent the sexually transmitted diseases and infections, knowledge of sexual anatomy and physiology, health, behavior, body image, pregnancy, and many more. The purpose pursued by sexual education in high schools is to inform growing up generation about everything they need to know before starting living sexual life. Here is why a school becomes responsible for addressing all the issues that are included by sex ed to the students. Even though, there many pro and cons as for the sexual education that is taught in high schools. Effectiveness of sexual education in high schools Today, about 22 states and the District of Columbia have implemented both sex and HIV education, which is a decent indicator that sexual education is welcomed in high schools. The numerous researches revealed a positive impact of sex education with HIV prevention programs on behaviors of young people and their health in general. This way, it reduced the frequency of early sexual relationships, the initiation of sex and occasions of unprotected sex. Sexually active participants confessed they had started using contraception regularly, which reduces the sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The program of the sexual education is also supported by the most part of Americans as it promotes abstinence and helps young people protect themselves when they become sexually active. It was found by the Kennedy School of Government that over 90% of parents of those children who attend middle and high schools are very happy that their children have sexual education as part of their school curriculum. A majority of voters of such demographic categories as Democrats, and independents along with Catholics and evangelical Christians find sex education helpful as well. Conclusion Sexual education in high school is a truly important subject, which is proved by both students and their parents. It has a positive impact on the lives of students and helps them realize their actions and behaviour before they start sexual life and prevent from mistakes.