The Controversy Of Appreciating A Form Of Art

The aesthetic context of art has always been argued, some argue in order for an object to be considered art, it must follow the necessary and sufficient conditions required. The latter argue, art should not have any limited barriers when classifying it, but follow an open concept. However, although many individuals buttress one of the two standpoints, the reasoning of appreciating a form of art is in question. Hume’s philosophy centers in aesthetic appreciation and standard of taste. Kant, however, focuses his philosophy on the “concept of beautiful”, and what conditions necessitate it. Both philosophies have varying beliefs on aesthetic art, and its qualifications in deciding whether an object evokes pleasure or displeasure, and what factors

Hume follows a standpoint where the standard of taste is dependent on the mind and cognitive thinking. He argues the delicacy of taste, and how it is human nature for the body and mind to critically analyze an object. For instance, Hume states, “where the organs are so fine as to allow nothing to escape them, and at the same time so exact as to perceive every ingredient in the composition, this we call delicacy of taste” (Hume, 714). The organs break down every aspect of a piece of work and scrutinize it when assigning value. However, the delicacy of taste can be flawed with being inexperienced because the mind can become confused on whether an object is approbated or blamed. Through having special interest for an object, such as practicing the art itself, an individual is able to provide proper judgment. For instance, with mastery of a subject, one can deeply analyze and distinguish between its good and bad qualities, and then create a new standard of taste. In contrast, Kant argues against cognitive thinking being required in the judgment of art. Judgment of taste is not a cognitive judgment. For, the existence of an object is irrelevant, all that is essential is the feelings it evokes, such as pleasure and displeasure. Kant observed, “Judgment of taste is simply contemplative, it is a judgment which is indifferent as to the existence of an object, and only decides how its character stands with the feeling of pleasure or displeasure” (Kant, 720). An individuals reaction towards an object is felt through the senses rather than the mind, it is required for him or her to be indifferent of the actual existence of the object and focus on the feelings it evokes. Likewise, the delight is felt for the free reason of liking the object itself, rather than other possible factors such as gratification, and approval. Thus, the first standpoint views the standard of taste