what is art

Without knowing first what art is, we will not be able to tell what good is art. Having studied several different definitions of art, I am most satisfied with Tolstoy's definition of art from his essay "What is Art?" (pckt pg.21). According to Tolstoy, art is a form of communication, a vehicle which the artist can use to communicate his feelings and emotion; it is a "means of intercourse between man and man" (pckt pg. 23). …showed first 75 words of 1455 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1455 total…by its creator to engage our feelings. In conclusion, I would like to add that the benefits of art does not end with moral deliberation. Art gives identity to a class or culture, and is an educational device as well. Art, as I have shown is a double-edged sword in relation to ethics. It certainly can cut both ways, but if used responsibly by both the audience and creator, it can cut the correct way.