The Relation of Art and Ethics in Aristotle's Philosophy

Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher has many treatises on the subject of ethics and art, therefore, study of moral approach in art is among the subjects that has often engaged the commentators of Aristotle’s writings. Their opinions however, differ and at times are inconsistent with each other. Some even confront Aristotle’s view and oppose it. This in part may stem from the partially lost treatises on poetry and other subjects and on the other hand, because of the mixing of the two types of practical and innovative wisdom. Since in Aristotle’s treatises the relation between practical wisdom and ethics is evident, hence, it is also apparent in innovative wisdom and ethics. Also, in determining the meaning of catharsis, Aristotle separates the two ethical and educational objectives in art and regards catharsis merely related to epicurean form of art and not ethical. The current article reviews Aristotle’s opinion on art and ethics and clarifies that contrary to what the commentators of Aristotle’s writings have expressed in various historical periods, Aristotle’s perception of art is independent from materialistic and moral benefits.