Tyson Johnson

Phil 1000
December 4, 2017

Art and Philosophy

Art has always been a controversial subject. Is it valuable? Should we spend our time and

money on it? What makes it important to us? These are but a few of the questions art has brought

about since its beginnings. While the importance of art grows increasingly more controversial,

philosophy has brought great insight into the concepts of art and how important it is to human

growth and development. In the following essay I will discuss two pieces of art, Vincent Van

Gogh’s The Starry Night and Metallica’s “One”, and how different philosophers might view

these famous works.

The Starry Night is by far Van Gogh’s most famous and recognizable work. It’s unique

style and portrayal of the sky in motion has made it one of the most talked about works of art to

date. I chose this work of art because it not only is my favorite work of art but because the

motion presented in the brush strokes resembles Lao Tzu’s teachings of the Tao. The Tao is

described as “the source of all existence,” “the way or path of the universe” (pg. 23). It is the

energy that flows through all things. In Van Gogh’s painting everything seems to be in motion.

Perhaps he is demonstrating that there is an energy in all things. The world isn’t a motionless

thing; it is in constant motion around us. In this sense I believe that Van Gogh and Lao Tzu’s

ideas intertwine. The purpose of life, whether through meditation or beautiful works of art both

are trying to help us become more connected with the Tao.

Being able to connect with the world around is but one of the reasons that makes art so

valuable. It is what allows human society to grow and develop in ways only art can achieve.
Tyson Johnson
Phil 1000
December 4, 2017

Similar to Leonardo Da Vinci’s work during the Renaissance period, Van Gogh’s masterpieces

led humanity into a new period of enlightenment. Art’s value is not simply determined by it’s

monetary value. Art’s most important objective is to help humanity see the world in a whole new

light. It is what allows humanity to advance to new stages of life, create new technologies, and to

share insights and feelings with those around us.

As we contemplate each carefully placed brush stroke within The Starry Night we can

enter into a similar state as Lao Tzu’s meditation. When one gets lost in the art this is when wu

wei begins to take form. This teaching of Lao Tzu’s is the ultimate goal of life; to “do nothing”

(pg. 32). Lao Tzu taught that “by doing nothing great deeds are accomplished” (pg. 33). This is

not to say that sitting around will make us great, but rather, allowing the Tao to move us as it

does the rest of nature, will guide us to the places we need to be so that we may achieve the

tranquility of connecting with the Tao. Art is simply another medium that helps to connect us

with such and energy.

Perhaps Van Gogh’s The Starry Night is his way of escaping to the mountains; fleeing

from the boisterous lifestyle of city life. Perhaps not. Lao Tzu never saw Van Gogh’s work but I

am certain that he would find a likeness to it. Even Lao Tzu must admit that there is a certain

calming feeling as one follows the moving sky of The Starry Night.

As we continue to wonder about Van Gogh’s visionary view of a starry night, we should

look for the value hidden within the painting itself. Instead of looking at what we see, we should

be asking ourselves what Van Gogh wants us to see. Words are expressed in many forms but

some of the most meaningful come from a paint brush.

Tyson Johnson
Phil 1000
December 4, 2017

Metallica’s “One” may not be as well-known or as recognized as Van Gogh’s work but,

it still shows great significance as a work of art. I chose this particular piece because it not only

tells a story but its arrangement complements the emotion and struggle expressed in the song’s

story. In the song a man has suffered much from the effects of war and has decided that dying

would be better off than living in his current condition. The man becomes more and more

distressed as the song continues, eventually ending with the man utterly angry at the world. The

musical composition of this piece represents the man’s emotions so perfectly it must be

understood as art. The beginning of the song has an almost reminiscent sound as the man

contemplates what has occurred during his time at war. Slowly realizing the horrors that have

taken place, his anger begins to build, which is demonstrated by the increased tempo later in the

song. In short, “One” is an emotional rollercoaster of all heavy metal has to offer.

So, how can philosophy help us understand “One” as a work of art? I have found that

George Berkeley and David Hume provide great insight concerning music and its role as an art

form. George Berkeley is best known for his statement: “To Be is to be perceived” (pg. 286).

This simple statement opens up a huge viewpoint to the human existence but what is truly

fascinating is how his view of experiences opens our minds to a whole new interpretation of art.

Berkeley declared that the “real world” is fiction and what we actually perceive are experiences

gathered through use of the senses. In simpler terms, we only see the world through our minds

eye which we call experiences.

Art is an experience; one that lasts, stays with us throughout our lives. It defines who we

are and who we wish to become. Metallica’s goal is not simply to write a song that people enjoy

but through the musical complexities of “One” they are attempting to share an experience with
Tyson Johnson
Phil 1000
December 4, 2017

their audience. The connection Metallica has made with their fans over the years has shown what

music can really accomplish when done right. Isn’t this what makes music valuable? Its value is

not defined by how much revenue it gathers but rather, by the way it allows the perceiver to see,

hear, feel, and grow.

Music has been shaping people for generations. It is one of the key factors that define a

person. If you pay close attention to those around you it will become apparent that every person

on this planet is influenced by art in some way or another. The music they listen to determines

the outfits they wear, how they do their hair, how they act. We are all “slaves of the passions”

(pg. 288).

As we further study the philosophies of art, especially music, it is vital to analyze the

thoughts of the great Scottish philosopher David Hume. Hume expressed that man is driven by

his emotions. The emotions are what make us unique individuals. This is what Hume describes

as the self. We are defined by Hume as a “bundle of perceptions” (pg. 293); a collection of

experiences gathered through use of our senses. Viewing life in this manner really brings “One”

to life as we diligently look for the experience Metallica is bringing to us.

This is what music, and art in general, is really about. It is to be experienced through the

senses and understood by the emotions. “One” does this perfectly. The song takes our emotions

on a transcendent ride from confusion, to frustration, to rage. The emotional connection we

create with the song and ourselves is what makes “One,” or any other song, important to us as

individuals.
Tyson Johnson
Phil 1000
December 4, 2017

From beginning to end “One” shows us the struggle of whether life is worth living. As

the character of the song expresses his emotions, we as listeners “gather” these feelings and add

them to our collection of perceptions attempting to find a connection between our experiences

and those of the song’s main character. After a connection is made, the song becomes part of

who we are and begins to shape our character according to the connection we share with the

song. This is the way Hume demonstrates that we are all “slaves of the passions” (pg. 288). We

cannot escape our emotions so we might as well allow them shape us into the person we were

meant to be.

Art and philosophy are often thought of as two distinct concepts when in fact; they are

complimentary to each other. One cannot be fully understood without the other. Art is a complex

form of expression and philosophy is the key that helps us comprehend these complexities with

greater ease. The artist behind any work of art is always trying to explain something or evoke

certain emotions through their work. This is philosophy at work. Philosophy and art do much of

the same things for us. They both cause us to ponder and think about deeper meanings, look at

our existence in different ways, see the world from different perspectives, and much more. These

are the things that define humanity as a people, advance our culture, and evolve our human

thinking to new heights.

Art, like philosophy, is invaluable. There is no price that can match its true objective.

Advanced thinking and societal growth are things that cannot be bought; they are priceless. In a

sense, every artist is a philosopher. They, like Socrates, Plato, Hume, Descartes, etc., are trying

to help us answer the question everyone wants the answer to: why do we exist?
Tyson Johnson
Phil 1000
December 4, 2017

Art is expressed in many forms, some more favored than others, but all fighting to

express the same ideas. So whether you are contemplating Van Gogh’s The Starry Night or

listening to Metallica’s “One,” you can be certain that a small part of the answer to our purpose

in life is attempting to be defined. Next time you go to an art gallery, dance recital, music

concert, etc., don’t be afraid to let your emotions take control. Let them guide your mind to

thoughts only art can define. Perhaps you’ll find something there that shapes you into someone

you were not expecting.

Tyson Johnson
Phil 1000
December 4, 2017

Bibliography

Soccio, Douglas J. Archetypes of wisdom: An introduction to philosophy. Nelson Education, 2015.