Plato's Criticism of Art in Classical Period

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Questions and Answers

What is the ultimate reality according to Plato's Theory of Ideas?

The moral lessons taught by poetry

Ideas before they take practical shape as things (correct)

Things as they appear in the physical world

The emotions that art appeals to

Why does Plato view art as useless?

Because it is a reflection of reality

Because it is only appreciated by the common people

Because it serves no useful purpose in society and is deceptive (correct)

Because it is only appreciated by the elite

Why does Plato attack poetry and poets?

Because poetry is only appreciated by the common people

Because poetry is twice removed from reality (correct)

Because poetry is a reflection of reality

Because poetry is only appreciated by the elite

What does Plato believe poetry contains?

Profound truth Signup and view all the answers

Why does Plato believe poetry affects?

The emotions Signup and view all the answers

What does Plato believe is the problem with drama?

It uses cheap techniques to convince the audience Signup and view all the answers

Why does Plato believe that drama should be censored?

Because it uses cheap techniques Signup and view all the answers

What does Plato believe is the problem with the characters in a play?

They lose their individuality Signup and view all the answers

Why does Plato believe that tragedy and comedy give pleasure to the audience?

Because they appeal to the emotions Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between poetry and philosophy according to Plato?

Poetry cannot take the place of philosophy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Plato believes art is deceptive?

Because it is twice removed from reality Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, what is the relationship between poetry and the intellect?

Poetry appeals to the emotions, not the intellect Signup and view all the answers

What is Plato's main concern about the characters in a play?

They may influence the audience to become like them Signup and view all the answers

Why does Plato believe drama is a shame in our normal life?

Because it uses cheap techniques to convince the audience Signup and view all the answers

What is Plato's view on the role of poetry in teaching moral values?

Poetry is non-moral in character and does not teach moral values Signup and view all the answers

Why does Plato believe that poetry cannot take the place of philosophy?

Because poetry is more concerned with emotions than reason Signup and view all the answers

What is Plato's criticism of poetry in relation to reality?

Poetry is twice removed from reality Signup and view all the answers

What is Plato's view on the pleasure derived from tragedy and comedy?

It is a form of hedonistic pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Why does Plato believe that drama is a branch of poetry?

Because it is a form of storytelling Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason Plato criticizes poetry and poets?

Because they deceive men and make them believe in the imperfection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plato's Critical Views on Art and Poetry

Plato's views on art and poetry are closely tied to his Theory of Ideas, which posits that ideas are the ultimate reality.
According to Plato, things are conceived as ideas before they take practical shape as things.

Criticism of Art

Plato views art as useless, as it adds neither knowledge nor intellectual value.
Art is seen as deceptive and potentially dangerous, sometimes teaching immoral lessons.

Criticism of Poetry

Poetry is considered twice removed from reality, making men believe in imperfection.
Poets are inspired suddenly, which cannot be truthful, and poetry fails the test of reason.
Poetry affects emotions, not reason, and appeals to the heart, not the intellect.
Emotions are temporary and cannot be safe guides to men.
Poetry is non-moral in character, treating both virtue and vice alike, and corrupting human beings.

Criticism of Drama

Drama is a branch of poetry, and its approval and disapproval depend on the audience.
Dramatists use cheap techniques like quarrels, lamentations, thunder, and sounds of animals to convince the audience, which are shameful in normal life.
Audience members who watch characters who are cowards, knaves, and criminals tend to become one such character, losing their individuality.
Such characters should not be present in a play; a play should have good characters.
Plato is against the pleasure that tragedy and comedy give, as they exploit human emotions like anger, fear, and grief for pleasure.
In comedy, people laugh at cowardly or criminal characters, who should be pitied, not laughed at.

Plato's Critical Views on Art and Poetry

Plato's views on art and poetry are closely tied to his Theory of Ideas, which posits that ideas are the ultimate reality.
According to Plato, things are conceived as ideas before they take practical shape as things.

Criticism of Art

Plato views art as useless, as it adds neither knowledge nor intellectual value.
Art is seen as deceptive and potentially dangerous, sometimes teaching immoral lessons.

Criticism of Poetry

Poetry is considered twice removed from reality, making men believe in imperfection.
Poets are inspired suddenly, which cannot be truthful, and poetry fails the test of reason.
Poetry affects emotions, not reason, and appeals to the heart, not the intellect.
Emotions are temporary and cannot be safe guides to men.
Poetry is non-moral in character, treating both virtue and vice alike, and corrupting human beings.

Criticism of Drama

Drama is a branch of poetry, and its approval and disapproval depend on the audience.
Dramatists use cheap techniques like quarrels, lamentations, thunder, and sounds of animals to convince the audience, which are shameful in normal life.
Audience members who watch characters who are cowards, knaves, and criminals tend to become one such character, losing their individuality.
Such characters should not be present in a play; a play should have good characters.
Plato is against the pleasure that tragedy and comedy give, as they exploit human emotions like anger, fear, and grief for pleasure.
In comedy, people laugh at cowardly or criminal characters, who should be pitied, not laughed at.