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Single Idea 22693

[from 'Artistic Value and Opportunistic Moralism' by Eileen John, in 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 7. Art and Morality ]

Full Idea

The works we tend to value most highly are ones that are in sympathy with the moral views we actually accept.

Gist of Idea

The works we value most are in sympathy with our own moral views

Source

Eileen John (Artistic Value and Opportunistic Moralism [2006], Intro)

Book Reference

'Aesthetics and the Phil of Art (debates)', ed/tr. Kieran,Matthew [Blackwell 2004], p.332


A Reaction

I would have to endorse this. She admits that we may rate other works very highly, but they won't appear on our list of favourites. This fact may well distort philosophical discussions of morality and art.