The Arts

Areas of Knowledge TOK12

What are the arts?• According to the Oxford English

Dictionary “art” is…

• noun 1 the expression of creative skill through a visual medium such as painting or sculpture. 2 the product of such a process; paintings, drawings, and sculpture collectively. 3 (the arts) the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, and drama. 4 (arts) subjects of study primarily concerned with human culture (as contrasted with scientific or technical subjects). 5 a skill: the art of conversation

Framework of Knowledge for Arts• Scope/Application -

• What is the social function of the arts?

• How many different forms does it encompass (eg literature, visual arts, music, dance, etc.)?

• Do different forms of art have different goals?

• To what extent are the arts influenced by the society and culture in which it is pursued?

• How important are the arts?

• Concepts/Language

• How do we use language to express the knowledge found within the arts?

• To what extent does this differ according to different forms of the arts?

• Are there any central concepts for which we need specific language before approaching the arts?

Framework of Knowledge for the Arts• Methodology

• Which ways of knowing do we use in order to connect with, and understand, the arts?

• Which ways of knowing do artists themselves use in order to create their works?

• History

• How has our understanding and perception of the arts changed over time?

• How has the role of the arts within society developed?

• To what extent has the nature of the arts (for example, the different forms of the arts) changed?

• What relationship does today’s artistic world have with that of the past?

• Links to Personal Knowledge -

• To what extent are you involved with the arts?

• How is your perception of the world, and your position it in, affected by the arts?

Way of Knowing Connection: Emotion• Art is commonly associated with

human emotion, especially music and drama (music, movies, and TV). In addition, human emotions are a way of knowing.

• This means that if art can cause a person to experience emotions it can be used to know things and find truth regardless of how much or little its style and form imitate real life.