The Sanity of Art and the Dual Nature of Beauty: An Endless Chess Match
The Sanity of Art and the Dual Nature of Beauty: A Reflection on George Bernard Shaw's Perspective and John Dewey's "Art as Experience"
The concept of beauty has been a central topic in aesthetic philosophy, often viewed as a double-edged sword capable of both elevating and corrupting human character. George Bernard Shaw, in his essay "The Sanity of Art," presents a compelling exploration of this dual nature of beauty. This article delves into Shaw's perspective on beauty's moral implications, drawing parallels with the views of William Morris.
Introduction
Beauty, an intrinsic and influential aspect of human experience, possesses a dual nature that can both elevate and corrupt. George Bernard Shaw, in "The Sanity of Art," and John Dewey, in "Art as Experience," provide profound analyses of this duality. Their perspectives, when considered alongside the thoughts of William Morris, offer a comprehensive understanding of beauty's multifaceted impact on human life and society.
George Bernard Shaw: Beauty and Moral Refinement
In The Sanity of Art (1908) Shaw posits that true art and beauty cultivate and refine human senses and faculties, leading to enhanced moral and ethical awareness. He argues:
"The claim of art to our respect must stand or fall with the validity of its pretension to cultivate and refine our senses and faculties until seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting become highly conscious and critical acts with us."
Shaw contends that engaging deeply with art transforms our sensory experiences and fosters a heightened sense of justice, self-control, and considerateness. He warns, however, against the hedonistic exploitation of beauty, advocating instead for a disciplined and purposeful pursuit of beauty that transcends mere pleasure.
John Dewey: Art as Integral to Experience
John Dewey's "Art as Experience" presents a pragmatic approach to aesthetics, emphasizing that art is not an isolated realm but deeply integrated into everyday life. Dewey argues that art and beauty are essential for enriching human experience, making life more meaningful and coherent:
"Art is the most effective mode of communication that exists."
For Dewey, the experience of art is inherently participatory, involving active engagement and reflection. This engagement transforms ordinary experiences into something more profound and significant, bridging the gap between art and daily life. Dewey's emphasis on the experiential and participatory nature of art aligns with Shaw's belief in the transformative power of beauty but extends it to the broader context of everyday experiences.
William Morris: Beauty and the Integrity of Craftsmanship
William Morris, a contemporary of Shaw and a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, shared a similar concern for the ethical implications of beauty. Morris believed that the industrial revolution had degraded the quality and integrity of craftsmanship, leading to the production of "ugly" and soulless objects. In his speech "The Lesser Arts of Life," Morris argued for the preservation of craftsmanship and the importance of creating beautiful, meaningful objects:
"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."
For Morris, beauty was intertwined with the dignity of labor and the integrity of the creative process. He saw the industrial production of cheap, unattractive goods as a threat to both aesthetic and moral values. By advocating for a return to artisanal craftsmanship, Morris sought to restore a sense of beauty that was deeply connected to human effort, skill, and ethical responsibility.
The Endless Chess Match
The interaction between refined beauty and hedonistic beauty can be seen as an endless chess match, where each paradigm makes strategic moves to assert its dominance. When the refinement approach makes a move, emphasizing structure and deeper meaning, the hedonistic perspective counters by highlighting the immediacy and sensuality of the aesthetic experience. This dynamic creates a rich and complex dialogue, shaping our understanding and appreciation of beauty in multifarious ways.
For instance, the art world often sees a tug-of-war between these two perspectives. The avant-garde movements of the 20th century challenged traditional notions of beauty by embracing abstraction, spontaneity, and even ugliness. This can be seen as a hedonistic rebellion against the refined standards of beauty established in previous centuries. Yet, within this rebellion, there are also moments of convergence where the raw, visceral impact of modern art achieves its own form of refinement and sophistication.
Similarly, in literature, the ornate and highly structured prose of the Victorian era contrasts sharply with the raw, unfiltered narratives of contemporary fiction. Each era's approach to beauty in storytelling reflects broader cultural shifts and the ongoing chess match between these two paradigms.
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