Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered: Reflections On Art, Fundamentalism, And Democracy, Daniel R. Denicola

Philosophy Faculty Publications

This philosophical lecture explores the tension between art and morality, beginning with the opposing viewpoints—aestheticism and moralism—that one should trump the other. As exemplary case studies, several controversial art exhibits—works that fueled the culture wars of the 1980’s are examined to identify the concerns of advocates and critics. This leads to deeper reflections on the artistic assumptions of religious fundamentalism, the role of art in a democracy, and the possibility that artistic exploration can be a form of moral action.