Is there a general philosophical concept that successfully describes why symbolic things have emotional meaning to an audience as opposed to the creator? — TheVeryIdea
Is there a general philosophical concept that successfully describes why symbolic things have emotional meaning to an audience as opposed to the creator? — TheVeryIdea
The writer and reader both contribute to discussion but the reader is the one who inputs meaning(i.e. meaning isn't extracted). — Varde
What is it that gives symbols meaning? — TheVeryIdea
Thanks, I have seen that art thread, however my interest at the moment is more around why some things make a connection with an audience — TheVeryIdea
That person has no experiences, symbols mean nothing to such person. — SpaceDweller
Any intended meaning comes out in the greater discussion — Varde
I don't know that I can speak to the artistic symbolism which you mention, not being entirely sure of your definition of this. I believe that symbols in general, though, achieve meaning for humans through significance and representation. Indeed, these are the things which define a symbol, and determine what is a symbol for us, and what is not. An object becomes a symbol when it comes to signify and represent some other thing, especially some abstract thing, to a person, and a symbol is strengthened as said signification and representation intensify. Perhaps this applies to what you view as symbols in art, as well?I'm thinking mainly about works of art here but there is likely a more general application. By "symbols" I am thinking of those things within an art work that draw us in and with which we make an emotional connection. — TheVeryIdea
subconscious.I take the point about it being based on experience but my life experience is reasonably typical of a white male and yet I have never understood why the music of U2 is so popular, I have no emotional engagement with it whatsoever — TheVeryIdea
why some things make a connection with an audience and some don't — TheVeryIdea
IE, perhaps some things have emotional meaning because they offer either general or particular evolutionary benefit. Perhaps they offer an evolutionary aesthetic. — RussellA
The meaning of symbols, as of everything else, refers normally to a mental, intellectual process. The word "meaning" means roughly "what words, ideas and actions signify to us". So, we cannot talk about "emotional meaning". We can talk instead about "emotional impact or effect". And we can also talk about "symbolic meaning".]By "symbols" I am thinking of those things within an art work that draw us in and with which we make an emotional connection.
Some art works, music, paintings, photographs, etc. have significant meaning to some people — TheVeryIdea
one might expect everyone to have similar preferences — TheVeryIdea
However other more complex symbology, which is often seen as operating at a higher level, is more intellectual and less evolutionary, less base-instinct and perhaps that is why we value it more. — TheVeryIdea
By "symbols" I am thinking of those things within an art work that draw us in and with which we make an emotional connection. ... Is there a general philosophical concept that successfully describes why symbolic things have emotional meaning to an audience as opposed to the creator? — TheVeryIdea
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.