A day in the life of an Ohioan turned New Yorker
Journal Entry #3
Published on July 2, 2004 By alison watkins In Philosophy
In my opinion, the comments in Plato’s essays pertaining to Greek culture in reference to the arts are absolutely sacrilegious. According to Plato, art is insidious because it has the power to bewitch the soul and compel strong and decadent emotions from those whom it affects. The thought of that is absolutely disgusting. Art, poetry, and music are all examples of emotional outlets used to express oneself through creativity. Not only do the arts build upon one's psychological and cognitive domains, but they also utilize the mind to convey what words cannot express.

It seems like Plato wants a world without feeling.

Music has always been a part of my life. I've played the (french--for the musically inept) horn for 12 years and couldn't picture a day where music doesn't effect my life in some small way. Not only do I play music, but I also teach it. So, that means according to Plato I would be corrupting the young. I am hardly doing so. I feel that I am giving my students the chance to express themselves and become more in tune to what they consider to be aesthetically pleasing. I know that through music I have been able to leap hurdles and cross boundaries that are indescribable, and I don't understand how this is a poison for my soul.

It seems like Plato wanted to live in a world where everything was methodical. He wanted everyone to think alike and for everything to have an explanation. Sometimes I believe that words cheapen the sentimental value of what one is trying to portray.

Comments
on Jul 02, 2004
"According to Plato, art is insidious because it has the power to bewitch the soul and compel strong and decadent emotions from those whom it affects."

He is wrong. Art is wonderful because it has the power to bewitch the soul and compel strong and decadent emotions from those whom it affects.
on Jul 02, 2004
Maybe he was just pointing out that Art and music can be a 2 way street? That it can be used to corrupt, or to inspire and enlighten?

It depends on how the 'artist' uses the music. It's the same as a tool.. It can be used for good or for Evil....

Or maybe.. I'm just interpretting too much into it
on Jul 02, 2004
CS GUY-- I couldn't agree with you more
on Jul 02, 2004
M-post...interesting thought....
on Jul 02, 2004
According to Plato, art is insidious because it has the power to bewitch the soul and compel strong and decadent emotions from those whom it affects.


Just because something CAN have that power, doesn't mean you have to ALLOW it to have that power in a negative way. It can be either a positive or a negative, and that is your choice.

Maybe he was just pointing out that Art and music can be a 2 way street? That it can be used to corrupt, or to inspire and enlighten?It depends on how the 'artist' uses the music. It's the same as a tool.. It can be used for good or for Evil....


Yes.....that's what I was trying to say!



on Jul 02, 2004
It depends on how the 'artist' uses the music. It's the same as a tool.. It can be used for good or for Evil....


I have a hard time imagining any evil use of music. Perhaps A Clockwork Orange's use of it (but then that is a work of fiction).

I can perhaps think of evil uses of visual media, if you are willing to think of certain examples as Art. Nazi propaganda posters come to mind. Vote for Kerry bumper stickers. (j/k)
on Jul 02, 2004
We'll save political discussion for another day...
on Jul 02, 2004
How can you even compare Nazi propaganda posters to Vote Kerry bumperstickers. A more appropriate comparison would be George Bush's use of photos of 9/11 in his re-election bid.
on Jul 02, 2004
How can you even compare Nazi propaganda posters to Vote Kerry bumperstickers.


I thought the (j/k) after that would indicate to people that I was Just Kidding.
on Jul 02, 2004
This election is nothing to kid about. As I paraphrased in another reply - what don't the republicans like about the democrats - peace or prosperity?
on Jul 02, 2004
How can you even compare Nazi propaganda posters to Vote Kerry bumperstickers


It's pretty easy to compare Nazi progoganda to anything. Here's an example...

Nazi progaganda is bad. South Park is good.

There, that's a comparison.

I think the term you wanted to use was equate.