(9) Puzzles III

[cramschoolgod]

[Phone, standard filter:]

Residents of Mayfield...

What is your definition of art, and do you believe it is important?

Comments

[wizardoftheweek]

I appreciate most forms of art, but I have a particular fondness for the art of storytelling, and the written word. I believe it is important because there are few better reflections of a person's place in the universe than what artwork they contribute to it. It is, in essence, proof of our existence.

[cramschoolgod]

I agree with that definition, yes. I think that the creative element in humanity is well-exercised with it. However, rationalists might say that the arts serve no particular practical purpose, and that such effort would be better served to benefit people and relieve suffering. Stories do not feed people, after all.

[wizardoftheweek]

That does not make them any less significant. Mental enrichment is just as important as physical.

[cramschoolgod]

Hm, well, ultimately I agree with you. Do you draw any boundaries upon what you accept as reasonable art, or do you leave it entirely to the artist's intention?

[wizardoftheweek]

Aesthetics determine what I, personally, will or will not enjoy. Applying them to persons not myself is just silly.

[cramschoolgod]

Do you not admit a role for the field of artistic criticism and academia, then?

[wizardoftheweek]

It's irrelevant to my personal taste. I will come to my own decisions in that regard.

[cramschoolgod]

Very independent. Independent thinking is in general a virtue, but an excess of it ignores that social benefit that results from the sharing and expression of other ideas. And that is ultimately a rather large drawback, too.

[wizardoftheweek]

It's about balance.

[cramschoolgod]

Ultimately, most things are about a proper balance, yes, though not necessarily just between two extremes.

[wizardoftheweek]

Of course.