video blog

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
In the first video a key concept I learned is that aesthetics has no boundaries. Through out history art changes and the the definition of  art and aesthetics changes with many different conceptions of what is beautiful. In the second video a key concept is that science and art relate to each other. Art is here to produce pleasing effects in the human brain.

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.
 
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 they are different but essential ways to view aesthetics and art.
Changeux- access to Global Neuronal Workspace- a discrete mental synthesis of multiple parallel and distributed processes from external perception and internal memories such as stored emotions. and consensus partium: the universal search for harmony
Ramachandran- The eight universal laws of aesthetics: grouping or binding, peak shift principal, contrast, isolating a single cue to optimally excite cortical visual areas, perception problem solving, symmetry, abhorrence of unique vantage points and suspicious coincidences, art as a metaphor
4. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The videos and the text both seek to define aesthetics and art.

5. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics in your reading?
I thought the films were interesting. They added depth to my understanding of the readings because I know have knowledge of many different views of aesthetics. The videos made me have an open mind while I was reading the text.
I feel that Immanuel Kant an 18th Century philosophers theory of aesthetics is the most important. He claimed that aesthetics is right in the middle of sensitivity and reason and that it is brought together by means of the imagination. Ugly can be beautiful the judgment is based on a subjective feeling that is innate and can be shared by others but doesnt have an exact science. You cant describe beautiful, the judgment of beautiful is pure form experienced in selfless contemplation is what causes the satisfaction. Kant states "Through the genius nature set rules to art." He also influenced Fredrich von Schiller another 18th Century philosopher.