Philosophical Meditations and Discussions

Farabi discusses two kinds of art: art as it is, and art as it should be – that is, utopian art. Art as it is contains desirable and undesirable aspects. But t utopian art, the art of the utopian artist, consists of only that which is desirable. With reference to this art, Farabi explains how it brings goodness and happiness into the imagination, and moderates the feelings. Undesirable and wicked art is just the opposite; it corrupts thoughts, and inflames sensual impulses.

In Farabi’s view, people come to comprehend intelligible truths and meanings through the use of their imagination. Furthermore, the arousal of people’s feelings and emotions often originates in the imagination, and is caused by imaginary forms. The ultimate utopian goal for the public is to achieve intelligible happiness. Given that the public, based on their nature and general habits, are unable to perceive intelligible truths, the path to intelligible happiness must be presented to them via the imagination. The utopian artist represents intelligible happiness through the use of sensory and imaginary forms; thus, he or she brings intelligible happiness to people's minds through their imagination.

Contents