Aristotle's Poetics - Thinking Activity

This blog is based upon Thinking Task assigned by Dilip Sir.

Q : 1. To what extent do you agree with Plato's objection to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers? Identify texts (novels, plays, poems, movies, TV soaps, etc.) that can be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections.

 Answer :

 Introduction :

Plato'sobjections to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers stem from his belief that art has the power to influence society profoundly, often in ways that can be detrimental to moral and intellectual development. In works like "The Republic," Plato argues that art, particularly poetry and drama, can mislead individuals, promote irrationality, and undermine virtuous living by appealing to emotions rather than reason. While his views may seem restrictive by modern standards, they raise important questions about the impact of art on society. In this context, examining contemporary works through Plato's lens can provide insights into the potential justifications for censorship based on his philosophical objections.

Agreement with Plato's Objections :

Plato's objections to artistic freedom and expression, particularly his belief that art should promote moral and educational values, raise interesting questions about the role and limits of creative works in society. To evaluate this in contemporary terms, we need to consider the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility.

To some extent, Plato's concerns about the influence of art are valid. Art and media can indeed shape societal norms and individual behaviors. For instance, exposure to violent content has been linked to increased aggression, and media portrayal of certain behaviors can normalize or glamorize them. However, the modern perspective generally values freedom of expression as a fundamental right, essential for personal expression, social critique, and cultural development. The idea of banning or heavily censoring artistic expression is often seen as problematic due to its potential to stifle creativity and hinder the exchange of ideas.

In essence, while Plato's concerns about the potential negative effects of art are worth considering, I lean towards the view that maintaining a balance where artistic freedom is preserved but accompanied by ethical responsibility and critical engagement is more beneficial for a society.

Texts That Could Be Justifiably Objected to Based on Plato's Objections :

Identifying specific texts that could be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections involves considering works that might promote harmful behaviors or undermine moral values. Here are some examples across various media.

 Bollywood Movie :

"Adipurush" (2023): 

A modern adaptation of the epic Ramayana, the film was criticized for its depiction of certain characters and its approach to sensitive themes. Plato might object to this movie if it portrays religious figures in a way that could be seen as disrespectful or misleading, potentially influencing public perception negatively.

"Rang De Basanti" (2006)

While "Rang De Basanti" could be seen as potentially problematic from a Platonic viewpoint, its impact on fostering critical thinking and social awareness highlights the value of artistic freedom in addressing and challenging societal issues.The movie depicts the protagonists taking the law into their own hands and resorting to violence to achieve justice. Plato would likely object to this as it could encourage viewers to emulate such behavior, undermining the rule of law and promoting moral chaos.

Conclusion :

While I understand and partially agree with Plato's concerns about the potential negative impact of art on society's morality and values, I believe that complete censorship is not the answer. Artistic freedom is crucial for personal expression, social critique, and cultural development. Instead of banning or censoring artistic works, a more balanced approach would be to promote media literacy and critical engagement with art, enabling individuals to discern and reflect on the messages conveyed by different forms of artistic expression. This approach respects the importance of artistic freedom while addressing the concerns about art's influence on society.

Thank you.