A Comparative Study on Farabi and Avicenna's Viewpoints about the Ultimate Goal of Art and The Role of Entertainment, Wonder and Pleasure

In various and sundry works, Farabi and Avicenna turn to art, its objectivity, and miscellaneous functions. In their writings, art’s aims and functions become pronounced; however, art’s goals and applications can be deduced from their theory of imagination. The power of imagination can depict the sensory forms, imaginary forma, as well as intelligible truths. The ultimate goal of the individuals vs. society is to provide the public with intelligible happiness; however, entertainment, wonder, and pleasure are reckoned as acceptable benefits of art. While Avicenna explicitly mentions wonder, Farabi doesn’t examine the case on its own merits. The other properties are identified for both philosophers. Being first objective of artist activities, final happiness allows entertainment and pleasure just enough of pausing for breathes so as to take pains toward the ultimate cheeriness. As well, while Farabi underlines entertainment, Avicenna doesn’t focus on the issue.