module 2

1. For each video and article list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

In the first video, I learned the actual definition for aesthetics, which is, the philosophical study of beauty and art. We never really think of art and beauty as two different things because people often think if something isn't beautiful then it isn't art. It made me think about the way I look at art differently and I often get down on myself when I feel like my art doesn't look beautiful because I feel like it's not "good enough." The second video on Neurobiology and Neurology of Aesthetics made me rethink beauty because there are things we consider beautiful and more "visually appealing" than others like Greek masculine sculptures. We enjoy looking at these things that we find appealing more. The CNN video discussed the idea of symmetry and the reason why  symmetrical appearing things appeal to use more is because most things have symmetry. 

2. Which philosopher's theroy on aesthetics do you feel is most important? Be sure to mention the philosphers name, era (time in history), and contribution to the aesthetic theory in your response. 

Francis Hutcheson's philosophy of aesthetics is the most important to me. He believed beauty and harmony are brought together in the soul by a work of art and that aesthetic and art are connected internally. A person can feel many different emotions from the same work of art and your opinion of the artwork can change depending on the person's feelings.

3. What do you think about Changeux and Ramachandran scientific view of aesthetics and art? What was the most interesting fact you discovered from each speakers lecture? 

Both of their views were very different. Both provided images that prove that there is science to art. Changeux said that empathy for suffering seen in art actually showed in the brain images. This supports his statement that art makes us more aware. Ramachandran stated that the goal of art was to distort and compared the placement of beauty marks and the effect of placement and if it changes the beauty of something.

4. How do the videos and article relate to the readings in the text? 

All three resources addressed the challenge of defining art and all agreed that it is valuable to society. The book has a lot more detail about techniques and specific types of art than the other online sources. 

5. What is your opinion of the films and article? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics in your reading in the text?

The first film was really helpful when talking about the history and evolution of art. The second video was more difficult to understand exactly what they were trying to get to. Reading about Changeaux was the most enjoyabke bause I liked the idea that art can bring emotion and awareness. I agree that a powerful image can create empathy for a person or situation and I like this function of art. I don't agree with Ramachandran's list of principles.