The Value of Art, Philosophy, Music, Politics, and Literature in Modern Society
The question of whether fields such as art, philosophy, music, politics, and literature offer genuine insights into the world, or merely reflect the personal biases of their creators, has long been debated. While it is true that these disciplines often act as secondary interpretations, they can still hold profound value for humanity. To understand this, one must first explore why these fields are not merely reflections of a biased individual, but rather critical tools for understanding the entirety of human experience.
Reevaluating the Value of Secondary Interpretations
Mathematics, science, and technology can be seen as interpretations of the world. Like language, mathematics is an artificial construct, created to describe and manipulate the universe. Similarly, scientific theories evolve as new evidence emerges, leading to shifts in our understanding. In some cases, these shifts can lead to morally and ethically troubling outcomes, such as the advancement of technology that enables ethnic cleansing.
While these fields have been vital in addressing global challenges such as pandemics, industrial pollution, and global warming, it is important to recognize that they are not the sole bearers of truth. The arts, philosophy, music, politics, and literature offer a different kind of insight. These disciplines are not second-hand interpretations, but rather reflections of the human condition, and they offer a rich understanding of the world through the lens of human experience.
The Worth of Art, Literature, and Music
Considering the question, 'are art, literature, and music worthless?' reveals their undeniable value. The film and music industries are among the largest in the world, demonstrating their economic and cultural significance. Figures such as movie stars and rock stars amass vast fortunes, further illustrating the worth of these arts. In the United States, for instance, the largest three industries are the military, agriculture, and entertainment (mainly movies).
Moreover, the entertainment industry is not universally subsidized; the military and agriculture receive significant government support, while entertainment often stands on its own merits. This suggests that the arts can and do contribute to a society's economic and cultural fabric.
Exploring the Limits of Human Perception
Our individualized perception of the world through the five senses creates a natural reality that can vary from a singular, integrated sense. This integration, facilitated by sentience, allows us to perceive the world in a holistic manner. Sentience, equivalent to reasoning, serves as an excellent tool for measuring and understanding the world and its environments.
This holistic perception reveals the perpetual flux of the world. Through art, philosophy, music, politics, and literature, we can explore and understand these changes. These disciplines allow us to document, analyze, and reflect on the myriad ways in which human societies evolve.
A Quest for the Truth
The pursuit of truth and understanding is a journey into the realm of the human experience. A modern university education, often focusing on technical and scientific subjects, can sometimes fail to provide this depth of understanding. I found solace and truth in Thomas Aquinas College, where we delved into the works of Western civilization's most influential thinkers, exploring the wisdom expressed through 'The Great Books' and applying our own reasoning to these texts.
This experience revealed that the value of these fields is not merely in their secondary nature, but in their ability to reflect and shape the human condition. They offer a unique lens through which we can understand the complexities of life, society, and the world at large.