The appreciation of beauty can be found everywhere, but its connection to ethics and morality has been debated for centuries. It is an intricate relationship that requires further investigation and study. According to Plato, beauty is found in objects, while virtue exists within people. Both are important in human existence.
The link between them remains unclear. In this article, I will explore how aesthetic appreciation can lead to more empathy and moral sensitivity.
Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It enables individuals to put themselves in another person's shoes and experience their emotions. This skill can be developed through various activities such as reading literature or watching movies.
When we read a book about a character who experiences love and loss, we may feel sadness and empathize with their pain. Similarly, movies often depict intimate moments that evoke strong emotions in viewers. By engaging with these works of art, we cultivate empathy towards others.
Morals refer to principles that guide behavior. They provide guidance on what is right and wrong. Moral discernment involves understanding the difference between good and bad actions and making decisions based on that knowledge. Empathy plays a crucial role in this process by helping us identify the consequences of our choices on others. When we have a clear sense of how our actions impact others, we are less likely to cause harm.
The development of empathy through aesthetic appreciation is not straightforward. Not all artwork contains intimacy or evokes strong emotions. Some may portray violence or unhealthy relationships. Therefore, it is essential to choose artworks that promote healthy values and attitudes.
Individuals must actively engage with the work instead of passively consuming it. This active participation helps develop empathy by forcing us to think critically about the characters' motivations and perspectives.
Aesthetic appreciation can lead to increased empathy and moral sensitivity. By engaging with works of art that contain intimacy and promoting healthy attitudes, we can improve our ability to understand and relate to others.
It requires intentional effort and critical thinking skills. It is an ongoing journey that benefits both personal growth and society as a whole.
What is the connection between aesthetic appreciation of intimacy and cultivation of empathy and moral discernment?
In recent years, research has established a strong link between experiencing beauty and developing moral sensitivity, as well as increased capacity for compassion and empathy towards others (Nelson & Pravosudovic, 2015).