Question 1

Dewey discusses the relationship between aesthetic experience and happiness. How might this poem enrich what he says?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

How, on Dewey's view, does the isolation of art and its appreciation affect the practice of living?
A) It commercializes art, and therefore devalues the creative process
B) It drives away esthetic perceptions, which are necessary ingredients of happiness
C) It devalues the abstract and so thwarts intellectual and esthetic individualism
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Dewey believed that isolating art from everyday life diminishes the aesthetic experiences that contribute to a fulfilling and happy life.

Question 3

Why does Dutton believe art does not improve us morally? Do you agree with his reasoning? Why or why not?

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Question 4

Recall the functions of imagination and stories that Dutton (Reading 98) discusses. Do you think any of these apply to this poem? Explain your answer.

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Question 5

Whitman was a 19^th century American poet.

Accepted Answer

Whitman was a 19th century American poet, known for his work "Leaves of Grass" and is considered one of the most influential poets in the American canon.

Question 6

According to Dutton, why did the human appetite for fiction arise in evolutionary history?
A) Fiction has adaptive value because it is low-cost, low-risk surrogate experience.
B) Fiction has pedagogical value.
C) Fiction helps develop interpersonal and social skills.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Dutton argues that fiction has evolved as an important aspect of human culture due to its multiple benefits, including its role as a low-cost, low-risk surrogate experience, its pedagogical value, and its ability to help develop interpersonal and social skills.

Question 7

Dutton argues that art is an adaptation for individuals in that it helps them understand their own, characteristically human emotions.

Accepted Answer

Dutton suggests that art serves as an evolutionary adaptation by allowing individuals to explore and comprehend their emotions, which are inherently human, thus aiding in personal and social development.

Question 8

One fact that Dutton cites in support of his theory of the evolutionary basis of art is the universal fascination with fiction.

Accepted Answer

Dutton argues that the universal human fascination with fiction supports his theory of the evolutionary basis of art, suggesting that storytelling and the creation of fictional worlds have adaptive benefits, such as enhancing our ability to understand others and navigate social relationships.

Question 9

The poem opens with the image of _________.
A) A shipwreck
B) Two lovers in embrace
C) A sunset
D) Perfume

Accepted Answer

The poem opens with the image of perfume, setting a sensory and atmospheric tone.

Question 10

Which of the following is the title of Whitman's poem?
A) Song of Myself
B) Song of the Divine
C) Song of Music
D) Song of Love

Accepted Answer

"Song of Myself" is a poem by Walt Whitman, and it is one of the best-known works in his collection "Leaves of Grass."

Question 11

Which of the following does Dutton cite as evidence that aesthetic judgment is evolutionarily advantageous?
A) The fact that pretend play occurs among children of all cultures at around 18-24 months.
B) The similarity of the notions of truth and beauty, and the fact that truth is evolutionary advantageous.
C) The near universal fascination humans have with fiction
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Dennis Dutton, a philosopher of art, has argued that aesthetic judgment is an evolutionary trait that has been advantageous for human beings. He cites several pieces of evidence to support this claim:
A) The fact that pretend play occurs among children of all cultures at around 18-24 months. Pretend play is seen as a way for children to practice and develop cognitive and social skills, which are important for survival and reproduction. It involves imagination and an appreciation for the aesthetic elements of the play scenario, which can be seen as an early form of aesthetic judgment.
B) The similarity of the notions of truth and beauty, and the fact that truth is evolutionarily advantageous. Dutton suggests that our appreciation for beauty is linked to our search for truth, which has clear survival benefits. The ability to discern truth helps us make accurate judgments about the world, which can lead to better decision-making. Similarly, an appreciation for beauty can guide us towards choices that have positive outcomes, such as selecting healthy mates or fertile environments.
C) The near universal fascination humans have with fiction. Our interest in stories, narratives, and fiction allows us to explore hypothetical scenarios and learn from them without having to experience them directly. This can help us prepare for real-life situations and empathize with others, which are both beneficial for social cohesion and individual survival.
Dutton's argument is that these aspects of human behavior are not just cultural byproducts but have deep evolutionary roots that have helped humans to survive and thrive. By appreciating beauty, engaging in imaginative play, and being drawn to stories, our ancestors may have developed cognitive and social advantages that were passed down through generations.

Question 12

Whitman suggest that understanding poetry is like carefully observing nature.

Accepted Answer

Walt Whitman, in his poetry, often emphasizes the importance of nature and suggests that understanding poetry requires a similar attentiveness and openness to experience as observing the natural world.

Question 13

Dutton thinks are does not improve us morally, but he thinks fiction promotes the ability to mind-read, to understand the perspectives and mental states of others. How do you think de Waal (Reading 76) would respond to pairing these claims?

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Question 14

Dutton thinks fiction gives us "mental maps for emotional life." What would you infer that Dutton thinks about the role of emotion in ethics? Explain your answer.

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Question 15

What, according to Dewey, is the relationship between aesthetic appreciation and happiness? Discuss examples that he gives of this relationship at work. If you were to agree with Dewey, how, if at all, would you change the way that you approach everyday living? Would it be a change for the better? Why or why not?

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Question 16

Reread what Nietzsche (Reading 96) says about intoxication. Do you think this poem exemplifies his theory?

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Question 17

Reread the last sentence of Pater's essay (Reading 95). Do you think this poem does or should serve the function Pater mentions? Explain your answer.

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Question 18

What is the basis of Dewey's criticism of the "museum conception of art"? What factors contribute to the rise of that conception? He suggests that the museum conception of art operates to the detriment of those who hold it. How so? Do you agree that the museum conception presents such problems? Why or why not?

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Question 19

What, according to Dewey, is the difference between experiencing something and having an experience? What role does Dewey think that aesthetics should play in enriching and heightening our experience of life? How does he think that this process ought to work? Is he right? Why or why not.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 12: Creating

Dewey discusses the relationship between aesthetic experience and happiness. How might this poem enrich what he says?

How, on Dewey's view, does the isolation of art and its appreciation affect the practice of living?

Why does Dutton believe art does not improve us morally? Do you agree with his reasoning? Why or why not?

Recall the functions of imagination and stories that Dutton (Reading 98) discusses. Do you think any of these apply to this poem? Explain your answer.

Whitman was a 19th century American poet.

According to Dutton, why did the human appetite for fiction arise in evolutionary history?