The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – Ep. 322: Schelling on Art vs. Nature (Part Two)

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts continue their exploration of Friedrich Schelling’s philosophy of art versus nature. They delve into topics such as the distinction between sculpture and painting, the role of literature, the relationship between the conscious and unconscious in art, and the concept of aesthetic intuition. Join them as they unravel the complexities of Schelling’s ideas and their implications for understanding the nature of art and human experience.

Main Takeaways

Sculpture versus Painting

• Schelling differentiates between sculpture and painting in relation to nature.
• Painting has the ability to capture vitality more effectively than sculpture.
• Sculpture emphasizes materiality, while painting is more abstract and spiritual.

The Role of Literature

• Literature can be considered a higher level of art compared to sculpture and painting.
• Verbal versions of sculptures, such as haikus, have contained structures, while epics and novels have no limit to their abstraction.

The Identity of the Artist

• The work of art reflects the identity of the artist.
• Art is a synthesis between ideas originating in the soul and nature.
• The unconscious and infinity play crucial roles in the creation of art.

Aesthetic Intuition and Intellectual Intuition

• Aesthetic intuition allows for a non-discursive, immediate relation to the infinite.
• Aesthetic intuition serves as a backdoor to metaphysics and intellectual intuition.
• Intellectual intuition is a way to grasp God, the soul, or anything beyond empirical objects.

The Sublime and the Ethical

• The sublime allows us to feel superior to nature and overcome psychological discomfort.
• Art can depict terrible and depraved things but must fit into the overall presentation.
• Beauty and the ethical are intertwined, but there is a concern about the potential reversal of their relationship.

Summary

Sculpture, Painting, and Literature

Schelling draws a distinction between sculpture and painting, highlighting the latter’s ability to capture vitality and convey abstract and spiritual qualities. Literature, on the other hand, is considered a higher level of art, with verbal versions of sculptures having contained structures while epics and novels offer limitless abstraction.

The Identity of the Artist

Schelling emphasizes that the work of art reflects the identity of the artist, serving as a synthesis between ideas originating in the soul and nature. The unconscious and infinity are fundamental aspects of the artistic process, leading to the creation of vital and meaningful artworks.

Aesthetic Intuition and Intellectual Intuition

Aesthetic intuition allows for an immediate, non-discursive relation to the infinite, providing a backdoor to metaphysics and intellectual intuition. Intellectual intuition, in turn, enables the grasping of concepts beyond empirical objects, such as God or the soul.

The Sublime and the Ethical

The sublime, as understood by Schelling, allows individuals to feel superior to nature and overcome psychological discomfort. Art has the capacity to depict terrible and depraved things, but it must be integrated into the overall presentation. The relationship between beauty and the ethical is complex, as there is a concern that their connection may be reversed, potentially leading to amoral artistic experiences.

Conclusion

Exploring Schelling’s philosophy of art versus nature reveals intricate connections between different art forms, the role of the artist, the power of aesthetic and intellectual intuition, and the interplay between the sublime and the ethical. Schelling’s ideas challenge traditional notions of art and invite us to reconsider the profound ways in which art shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves.