Art and Knowledge-Capek’s ‘The Poet’ as a Case Study

Authors: Lorand R*

DOI: 10.23880/phij-16000S1-003

Special Issue 1: Art and Knowledge

Abstract

In this paper I offer a reflective reading of a story by Karel Čapek, ‘The Poet.’ The story exhibits a variety of perspectives on the issue of art and knowledge. I take this variety as indicative of the nature of art appreciation. I argue that both aesthetic cognitivism and non- cognitivism in art are normative and overlook the variety of actual experiences of art. I advocate a descriptive approach that considers knowledge of different kinds to be influential in appreciating art. However, I am critical of the idea that knowledge has the power to determine artistic value.

Keywords: Aesthetic Cognitivism; Non- Cognitivism in Art; Artistic Value

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