The document discusses the differing views of Plato and Aristotle on the purpose of art. For Plato, art should be limited and serve only to teach moral lessons and promote ethics, otherwise it could be harmful. Aristotle believed that art should provide pleasure for the audience and include elements like language, character, and plot that could elicit catharsis in the viewer, rather than strictly teach morality. Both philosophers had a major influence on Western art but there remains a debate on whether art should primarily teach or simply be enjoyed.

1. Moral Criticism and Dramatic
Construction

2. What is
art for?

3. Well for
Plato.. Moral Criticism
Art was a replica of
the world that it
presented, if art did
not teach a moral
lesson, it was
harmful to its
audience.

4. Ever since the early
days of childhood
when bedtime stories
were comprised of
fairy tales and fables,
children are taught
that there is a moral
to every story.

5. Like the Bible
or Children’s
Books

6. ART:
1. Should
be limited
3. Is a mediocre
reproduction of
nature
2. Play a strict role
in “perfect” Greek
Republic

7. 4. Damaging if not
teaching morality
and ethics to
audience. Aristotle
Art is a means to
an end.

8. But in
Aristotle’s
view
Art is a way to
create something
pleasurable for
the audience.
Dramatic
Construction

9. He believed
that art should
include
elements
language
rhythm
diction
plot
character
thought
song
spectacle
harmony

10. Believed that these
elements could alter and
affect the audience's
catharsis.

11. In the form of
literature we
have…

12. If you enjoy a
story it is because
the author made
very good use of
one/more of
Aristotle’s
elements.

13. Aristotle
considered
poetry a
'productive
science'
Saw poetry
and drama as
a means to an
end
Had established
guidelines in
order for writers
to achieve their
objectives.

14. Both Plato and Aristotle
played major roles in
influencing Western art.
VS.

15. There is a continuing
debate on whether
effective literature informs
you and teaches you
about morality or whether
effective literature is just
to be enjoyed.