Impact of Personal Ethics While Analizing Art and Movies

Tower (2011) says that the values that distinguish noble art from awful art are as a result of reasons hence easy to reach an agreement about whereas evaluating a particular artwork depends solely on the individual’s emotional feelings which normally differ hence is bound to bring about conflict. In the case of ethics, however, the alternative is true since theories result from peoples’ feelings about specific ethical standards hence bound to bring conflict as everyone will interpret the situation differently but we all recognize an action that is unethical when we see one because there are undoubtedly reasons to explain their relevance to the society (Coast, 2009).

Art is a skill that has aesthetic results. There are different types of art like music and paintings that are similar in composition in a way since they convey certain messages and demonstrate creativity. Therefore, there are general standards that artists agree to that constitute art that assists in distinguishing suitable art from unsuitable one. Evaluation of a particular artwork depends on a number of qualities that the art may exhibit. However, there is controversy when it comes determining whether a particular artwork has artistic merits.

Camacho & Fernández (2006) agrees that reaching a consensus on issues that distinguishing noble art from bad awful art is less complicated since they consider a number of factors all directed to the importance of art in the society however deciding whether a particular art portrays artistic merits may result to dispute since there is difference in the interpretation of those standards when evaluating an individual’s work. For instance, artists agree that good art ought to exhibit a high level of creativity, capture imagination as well as convey the message clearly and appropriately.

However, people differed with the judgment of the film, Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street directed by Bob Clark, because they were not able to come to an agreement concerning whether the message was clear for the audience intended and the degree of creativity. The standards dictate that a good art should be timeless, but people could not come to an agreement whether this film would still be relevant in the future since society is dynamic. This is a clear indication that the application of these principles is not clear hence results in disputes. However, in the case of ethics, the converse is true. Interpretations of ethical theories depend on an individual's perspective hence may result in disagreement due to different opinions but an unethical act is easy to spot.

Art is open to debate, based on the fact we are all unique (Coast, 2009). What your neighbor prefers and likes might not be what appeals to you and that is the reason for the rise in different opinions when it comes to judging a particular artwork. The work is exposed to critics from anyone, and its judgment depends on the individual’s taste and preference that are uncontrollable. As much as people may accept the artwork the fact remains that not everyone would be on board with that decision. This is because the work may meet most of the general art standards such communicating the intended message appropriately but may fail to impress others maybe be due to visual impression in case it is a painting (Coast, 2009).

Indeed, we may agree to general standards in the arts but disagree as to whether a particular work has artistic merits. However, when it comes to ethics may disagree with ethical theories but know an unethical action when we see one. This is because, general art standards are facts and determining the value of a particular artwork requires application of these general standards that depends on Individual’s taste and preferences hence brought about by the unique nature of humans is bound to create controversy just as in the case of ethics, ethical standards are facts based on the acceptable moral behavior and ethical theories are notions that can be interpreted differently hence results to controversy. Moreover, the values that distinguish good art, and bad art are subjected to reason while evaluation of a particular art is subjected to emotions that are the opposite when it comes to ethics. Whereas ethics are acceptable standards, people live by. More often than not, we disagree with ethical theories though we can all identify an unethical deed when we see one.

References

Coats, A. J. (2009). Ethical Authorship and Publishing. International Journal of Cardiology. eDoi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.11.048

Camacho, A. S., & Fernandez Balboa, J. (2006). Ethics, politics and bio-pedagogy in physical education teacher education: easing the tension between the self and the group. Sport Education and Society. doi: 10.1080/13573320500255023

Tower C.N. (2011). An Evaluation of compositions for wind band according to specific criteria of serious artistic merits: A second update.