Single Idea 22704

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

Full Idea

Immorality in art is sometimes an artistic defect and sometimes not.

Gist of Idea

Immorality may or may not be an artistic defect

Source

Stephen Davies (The Philosophy of Art (2nd ed) [2016], 8.7)

Book Reference

Davies,Stephen: 'The Philosophy of Art (2nd ed)' [Wiley Blackwell 2016], p.214


A Reaction

Davies seems to avoid the 'immoralist' view, that immorality in a work of art can sometimes be a strength. A sharp distinction is needed, I think, between the morality of what is depicted, and the morality of the whole artwork.