second post

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

In both videos, I learned what aesthetics are, and the evolutionary origins of art and aesthetics. These origins can be classified with sexual seletion, group selection, inter-subjective communication and social bonding, and by-product of brain evolution.

2. Which philosopher's theroy on aesthetics do you feel is most important? Be sure to mention the philosphers name, era (time in history), and contribtion to the aesthetic theory in your response.
I believe that Immanuel Kant, an 18th century German philosopher, has the most important theory on aesthetics. In his works on aesthetics, he argues our judgement is what makes us able to experience beauty and grasp experiences as part of an ordered, natural world with purpose.


3. What do you think about Changeux and Ramachandran scientific view of aesthetics and art? What was the most interesting fact you discovered from each speakers lecture?
I think that Changeux's and Ramachandran's views of aesthetics and art were interesting. I liked that they pointed out how certain things you see stimulate brain activity, and they showed pictures of the brain and what areas of the brain are active.

4. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

In both the videos and the text, aesthetics is discussed in depth about what it is, how to define it, etc. They both also talk about iconography and the laws of art, how to describe art, and how to discover and process the meaning of art.

5. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics in your reading? 

I think the films were interesting, but too long. It was hard to understand Changeux in the second film because of his accent, plus the quality of both films were bad so it was hard to see what the Powerpoints said to be able to take notes.