Single Idea 22697

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 7. Art and Morality]

Full Idea

To put my claim most provocatively: the moral defects in a work of art can be among its aesthetic virtues. This claim has been called 'immoralism'.

Gist of Idea

Moral defects of art can be among its aesthetic virtues

Source

Daniel Jacobson (Ethical Criticism and the Vice of Moderation [2006], Intro)

Book Reference

'Aesthetics and the Phil of Art (debates)', ed/tr. Kieran,Matthew [Blackwell 2004], p.343


A Reaction

To describe sympathetic descriptions of vile moral behaviour as 'defects' may be a misunderstanding. If a work sets out to promote wickedness, then its wickedness isn't a defect in the work. It could be a masterpiece of corruption.