Single Idea 21794

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 6. Value of Art]

Full Idea

Art's primary function, for Hegel, is to give expression to the unity and wholeness of life - especially human life - that the contingencies of everyday existence frequently conceal.

Gist of Idea

The main purpose of art is to express the unity of human life

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Lectures on Aesthetics [1826]), quoted by Stephen Houlgate - An Introduction to Hegel 09 'Beauty'

Book Reference

Houlgate,Stephen: 'An Introduction to Hegel' [Blackwell 2005], p.220


A Reaction

I don't find the view that human life is 'unified' and 'whole' vary illuminating, and I have no objection to art which reflects the fragmentary and unstable aspects of life. I suspect Hegel would just prefer it if life were a unity.