Does anyone know the Humanist view on esthetics?
2007-03-04 11:04:21 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
i would think that it would be accepting of all esthetic views, as a Humanist would affirm the dignity and worth of all people,,,,, and such would respect a persons opinion, as being the truth for that person, and as just their opinion,,,, for what is good/bad, pleasing/not pleasing etc a Humanist would not have a need to have everyone agree,,,,,,,,, or for others to see their truth
2007-03-04 11:55:55 · answer #1 · answered by dlin333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no "the" Humanist view on anything, since it is a very diverse movement, not a monolithic orthodoxy.
The Humanists recognize humanity as more valuable to human beings than anything else in the universe that anyone knows about. Therefore, they are likely to see as aesthetically pleasing that which honors mankind.
The works of Michelangelo and of Leonardo da Vinci exemplify the Humanist focus on what is human. The "David", for example, presents a vision of human beauty.
In architecture, the Egyptians built structures that diminish man. Then in medieval Europe, the great cathedrals were built with an outreach to Heaven. Florence, I think, is more typically a truly Humanist city. Its buildings do not overpower; they embrace the visitor on a human scale.
In America, Rockefeller Center is very much a Humanist place. It was built in the depth of one of America's darkest moments of deep depression, with the specific goal of arffirming faith in mankind. At its heart is a statue of - not the Virgin Mary or any other symbol to take your mind to the heavens - but of Prometheus, the bringer of the gift of fire to humankind. This expresses the Humanist aesthetic that humanity matters.
2007-03-04 13:11:32 · answer #2 · answered by fra59e 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋