Answer to Question #85678 in Philosophy for Johnathan E Hill

Question

What are the main arguments of Plato's critique of art and/or tragedy?

Answer 1

Plato denies art in two ways. Art can be an imitation of things, and it will simply be a doubling of the world. As a result, it will be unnecessary and even harmful because it draws people's interest from the truth to useless activity and empty play. Next, art can be an imitation of non-existent phantoms. In this case, it will be unconditionally harmful, since it will deliberately mislead the mind. Plato rejects these forms of art, but besides them, he also speaks about useful forms of art. For example, Plato suggested that the art of poets can be a source of wisdom, reflecting the truth of the world, and therefore, move in the same direction as philosophy. However, the art lacks the fullness and clarity of philosophical knowledge and is below philosophy.