The Theory of Pleasure: Major Theories of Response and Appreciation

The theory of pleasure in art appreciation emphasizes the importance of positive emotional response to the artwork. According to this theory, the aesthetic experience is primarily a pleasurable one, and the appreciation of art is driven by the desire for this pleasure. Theorists believe that experiencing pleasure while engaging with art can be a fundamental part of the aesthetic experience.

One of the prominent philosophers who advocated for the theory of pleasure was Immanuel Kant. In his Critique of Judgment, Kant argued that the pleasure of the aesthetic experience comes from the free play of the imagination and understanding in apprehending the form of the artwork. According to Kant, art has the ability to produce a disinterested pleasure, which is pleasure that is not derived from a personal interest or desire. He believed that this disinterested pleasure was the hallmark of aesthetic appreciation.

Kant identified two types of pleasure that can be derived from the aesthetic experience: the pleasure of the agreeable and the pleasure of the beautiful. The pleasure of the agreeable is subjective and is derived from the satisfaction of our personal desires and interests. For example, we may enjoy the taste of a particular food or the feel of a soft fabric. On the other hand, the pleasure of the beautiful is objective and universal, and it is not derived from our personal desires or interests. This pleasure is derived purely from the form of the artwork, and it is a disinterested pleasure.

Another philosopher who advocated for the theory of pleasure was John Dewey. In his book Art as Experience, Dewey argued that the aesthetic experience is a type of experience that we seek for its own sake. He believed that the aesthetic experience is pleasurable because it is a form of active engagement with the world. According to Dewey, we derive pleasure from the aesthetic experience because it allows us to explore our surroundings and to engage with them in a meaningful way.

In terms of examples, there are many artworks that can be appreciated for their ability to produce a pleasurable experience. For instance, Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” is often appreciated for the beauty of its swirling, dynamic brushstrokes and the vividness of its colors. This painting is visually stimulating and can produce a sense of pleasure in the viewer. Similarly, the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is often appreciated for its beauty and the pleasure that it brings to the listener.

Key Learnings

• The theory of pleasure in art appreciation emphasizes the importance of positive emotional response to the artwork.
• Immanuel Kant and John Dewey were prominent philosophers who advocated for this theory.
• According to Kant, the pleasure of the aesthetic experience comes from the free play of the imagination and understanding in apprehending the form of the artwork.
• Meanwhile, Dewey believed that the aesthetic experience is pleasurable because it is a form of active engagement with the world.
• Artworks such as Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are examples of artworks that can produce a pleasurable experience.