Louis Arnaud Reid; Art: feeling and knowing, Journal of Philosophy of Education, Volume 15, Issue 1, 30 May 2006, Pages 43–52, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-97.

Louis Arnaud Reid; Art: feeling and knowing, Journal of Philosophy of Education, Volume 15, Issue 1, 30 May 2006, Pages 43–52, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-97.

This article argues that Macmurray’s work on education is deserving of serious consideration, because it offers an account of the person that highlights the significance of the emotions and the arts. In particular, the article examines and teases out the areas of Macmurray’s concept of the person that are pertinent to the philosophy of education, which includes the contention that the emotions can and should be educated. Furthermore, on the basis of Macmurray’s work, this article argues that emotional competency is (...) bound up with an education in the creative arts. Consequently engagement with the arts, which is often considered to be a luxury and a hobby, becomes an essential component in the development of human nature and the ability to live well. Finally, by analysing Macmurray’s description of a work of art and bringing Macmurray into conversation with contemporary views regarding the arts and the education of the emotions, in both a critical and a supportive manner, this article concludes that education in the emotions and the arts are key aspects of human well-being. (shrink)

This paper argues that the human activity of art making and art usage has a biological foundation which precedes language acquisition. Together with cultural dynamics we have created ourselves as we have created our arts. I attempt a synthesis of the theories of Dissanayake and Joyce which shows the human trait of art behaviour evolved as surely as did the behaviours of mating and hunting.