video blog

Submitted by Eustace, Molly (eustacma01) on 9/8/2012 5:14:32 PM

Molly Eustace 5:13 PM  -  Public   In the videos I learned that throughout time, aesthetics, or what had been considered beautiful has changed, from era to era.  Religion & societal norms for each time period have greatly influenced art.  All beauty is subjective, & there is no exact science to what is considered beauty.  To quote the old adage..."beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I feel that Alexander Baumgarten's theories on philosophy was the most important. He was born in the 18th century at the height of the Enlightenment. He is most recognized for coining the word "aesthetics." Baumgarten believed that art & beauty belonged to a middle ground between sense & reason. He theorized that art leads us from the merely sensible, to a light of rational understanding. He is well known for his influence on another philosopher, Emmanuel Kont, but they didn't agree on certain aspects. The videos give a more detailed historical view of the theories behind aesthetics, & agrees with the textbook that aesthetics can differ from person to person, & throughout history.  The movies explain how time period & perception can influence what is acceptable in art.  I really enjoyed the films but despite the importance & validity of the points made, found them to be a bit repetitive. mollyeustace.blogspot.com