Chapter 1 Notes
Chapter 1
The Humanities: An Introduction
Objectives
After studying this chapter, students should be able to Explain the role of the humanities in establishing values. Explain the fundamental differences between the humanities and the sciences. Have a beginning understanding of how to respond to a work of art. Understand the concepts of abstract ideas and concrete images. Understand structure and artistic form.
Outline of Chapter
A. The Humanities: A Study of Values 1. In medieval times, humanities identified that which did not pertain to God: mathematics, science, art, and philosophy. Theology was excepted. 2. Today, humanities refers to human creativity and study (not math or science). 3. Today, humanities and science approach values differently. 4. Science makes deadly discoveries and passes along responsibility to other powers; humanities questions the grounds on which their judgment should be based. 5. Humanities helps develop our sensitivity to values; i.e., what’s important to humans. 6. A study of the arts will allow us to deepen our understanding of values. 7. Art is the illuminator of values and can enrich the quality of our lives.
B. Taste 1. Taste is an exercise in choice of values. 2. Taste of mass public shifts constantly. 3. Study of humanities posits that public success does not indicate excellence in the arts. 4. Success of a work of art occurs when it examines human experience. 5. Immediacy of commercial art can dull us to a deeply satisfying art form. 6. Our defense of personal taste in “art” often inhibits our interest in discovering a higher awareness of our humanity through a study of the arts. 7. For the authors, a study of the arts penetrates beyond facts to values that evoke feelings.
C. Responses to Art 1. The Process is so complex that it can never be fully analyzed. 2. Responses to Siqueiros: perception alone evokes emotions because of the baby. 3.
The Humanities: An Introduction
Objectives
After studying this chapter, students should be able to Explain the role of the humanities in establishing values. Explain the fundamental differences between the humanities and the sciences. Have a beginning understanding of how to respond to a work of art. Understand the concepts of abstract ideas and concrete images. Understand structure and artistic form.
Outline of Chapter
A. The Humanities: A Study of Values 1. In medieval times, humanities identified that which did not pertain to God: mathematics, science, art, and philosophy. Theology was excepted. 2. Today, humanities refers to human creativity and study (not math or science). 3. Today, humanities and science approach values differently. 4. Science makes deadly discoveries and passes along responsibility to other powers; humanities questions the grounds on which their judgment should be based. 5. Humanities helps develop our sensitivity to values; i.e., what’s important to humans. 6. A study of the arts will allow us to deepen our understanding of values. 7. Art is the illuminator of values and can enrich the quality of our lives.
B. Taste 1. Taste is an exercise in choice of values. 2. Taste of mass public shifts constantly. 3. Study of humanities posits that public success does not indicate excellence in the arts. 4. Success of a work of art occurs when it examines human experience. 5. Immediacy of commercial art can dull us to a deeply satisfying art form. 6. Our defense of personal taste in “art” often inhibits our interest in discovering a higher awareness of our humanity through a study of the arts. 7. For the authors, a study of the arts penetrates beyond facts to values that evoke feelings.
C. Responses to Art 1. The Process is so complex that it can never be fully analyzed. 2. Responses to Siqueiros: perception alone evokes emotions because of the baby. 3.