Plato and the Reasons Against Teaching Art to Young People

Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in Western history, had strong views about the role of art in education, particularly when it came to teaching young people. Plato believed that art, particularly literature and poetry, had detrimental effects on the moral development and intellectual growth of the youth. In this article, we will delve into Plato’s reasons for opposing the teaching of art to young people.

Plato argued that art, especially poetry, had the power to evoke strong emotions in individuals, often leading them astray from reason and logic. He believed that young minds, which were impressionable and easily influenced, needed to focus on cultivating virtues and acquiring knowledge rather than being exposed to the chaotic and irrational world portrayed by art. Plato feared that the emotional response triggered by art would hinder the development of young people’s critical thinking skills, causing them to be easily swayed by their passions rather than using rationality to make sound decisions.

Furthermore, Plato contended that art’s ability to imitate reality was problematic. He believed that art was a mere imitation of the physical world, created by artists who lacked true knowledge and expertise. Plato argued that this imitation would only lead young people further away from understanding the true nature of reality. Instead, he advocated for education rooted in philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge, which would enable individuals to differentiate between illusion and reality.

Additionally, Plato’s distrust of art stemmed from his concerns about the moral implications of artistic expression. He believed that artists often portrayed immoral or undesirable behavior in their works, which could negatively influence young people’s understanding of what is right and wrong. Plato argued that art could glorify vices and present unethical actions as acceptable or even admirable. He believed that exposing young minds to such distorted values would hinder their moral growth and lead to a corrupt society.

According to Plato, art also hindered the development of a person’s intellectual capacity. He claimed that young people should focus on intellectual pursuits that would allow them to engage in abstract thinking and understand universal truths. In his famous allegory of the cave, Plato depicted art as mere shadows on the wall, preventing individuals from seeing the true forms of reality. For Plato, art was a mere distraction that diverted young minds from the pursuit of true knowledge.

However, it is noteworthy to mention that Plato’s views on art were not universally accepted even during his time. Aristotle, one of Plato’s prominent students, disagreed with his teacher’s stance and provided a more balanced perspective on the role of art. Aristotle believed that art had the potential to evoke emotions, but it also had the power to educate and inspire. Aristotle argued that art could teach young people empathy, morality, and critical thinking, encouraging them to reflect on the human condition and society.

In conclusion, Plato firmly opposed the teaching of art to young people due to its potential to divert them from reason and logic, its imitation of reality as a distortion, its potential influence on their morality, and its supposed hindrance to intellectual development. Although his views continue to be debated, his thoughts on the subject have undeniably shaped discussions about the role of art in education. As education systems continue to evolve, striking a balance between creativity, artistic expression, and the pursuit of knowledge remains a challenge.