6. Ethics

KQ: Do the arts have the power to challenge established moral values?

KQ: Do the arts play a role in the development of our personal value systems?

Art, the Moral Imagination and the University

An artist's obligation? Listen to the short lecture 'Art, the Moral Imagination and the University' (button on left) and click through the slides as you listen (7.50)

It is clear that art can raise awareness of moral issues- see clips on the right for some examples. Artists are also far more free to explore controversial issues than human scientists. But do artists have an obligation to address moral questions? Discuss.

Cancel culture

KQ : Can we separate the moral character of the artist from the value of the artwork?

TASK: Choose one of the following famous figures and research why they are controversial: Richard Wagner; Michael Jackson; Eric Gill; Kevin Spacey; Harvey Weinstein; XXXtentacion; Roman Polanski

What are your initial thoughts on the knowledge question above?

Explore the articles and videos below, then revisit the question.

The idea of 'ethical art' is nonsense. We have to separate art from life | Rachel CookeRachel Cooke: We'd be wrong to let the sordid revelations about Graham Ovenden's sex life colour our appreciation of his work

Men Behaving Badly | Can we separate art from artist? | Ruth MillingtonWhy we can't separate art from artist: meet 6 badly behaved artists who exploited and abused others to further their careers

KQ: On what criteria could it be decided if the state has the right to censor art that is deemed immoral or blasphemous?

TASK: Aside from 'the state', who else censors art? What reasons do you think are given for the censorship? Remember that age ratings on movies/games are a form of censorship. Discuss in your group.

It is testament to the power of art that so much of it is/has been censored. Can censorship actually help to promote a piece of art?

If you have time watch this video, which explores some contemporary censorship cases:

Censorship Deabte

Watch/read this.

You will be split into three groups.

Group 1. Representing Artist X - wanting to promote/publicise the material of the artisit on an online platform

Group 2. Representing the group impacted by the actions of Artist X, arguing the material should not appear on the platform.

Group 3. The board members of the online platofrm. You will here arguments from both sides. You will then be asked to discuss and come to a decision about whether or not to allow the music to appear on your platform.

Page updated

Report abuse