Sixteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

In the Phenomenology of Mind, Hegel traces the development of spirit or consciousness until consciousness has itself for its own reality. As this journey of consciousness progresses, various types of consciousness are discarded and replaced by more adequate modes of consciousness. The end result of the journey of spirit or consciousness is absolute knowledge in which mind or consciousness is its own object. For Hegel, art and its various manifestations, such as literature, represent a mode of consciousness or spirit. In the “Introduction to the Philosophy of Art” Hegel states: “For the beauty of art is beauty born–and born again–of the spirit.” This paper examines Hegel’s philosophy of art as it is derived from his phenomenology. Such an examination provides an interesting, unique, and critical perspective for many types of art and, in particular, modern artistic expression. What is particularly significant for contemporary art about Hegel’s approach to art is that he provides a ground for art in consciousness and sees art as a product of consciousness. Art thus become a necessary, fundamental moment in the development of consciousness and a fundamental project of consciousness. Such is Hegel’s unique perspective and contribution to the philosophy of modern art.