Is Art Really Subjective?

Exploring the Dynamics of Subjectivity in ToK Essay 1

The question of whether we overly celebrate subjectivity in art is a  rephrasing of the classic objectivity vs subjectivity debate in Theory of Knowledge (ToK). On the one hand, art is often celebrated for its subjectivity, a form of knowledge in which individual interpretation apparently dominates. But do we overly celebrate subjectivity in the arts, ignoring the technical and structural frameworks that guide artistic creation?

Art, encompassing visual arts, music, theatre, literature, film, and dance, often relies on underlying structures. For instance, colour theory in visual arts provides guidelines on how colours interact and affect human perception. Similarly, musical notation sets the rules for how musical pieces should be played, offering a more 'objective' basis for evaluating the work. These structural elements suggest that art is not entirely subjective; it operates within set frameworks that have been studied, refined, and generally agreed upon.

However, the role of subjectivity cannot be entirely discounted. Take, for instance, abstract art. Here, the artist might defy traditional colour theory to evoke specific emotions or thoughts. The viewer's personal experience and interpretation then become part of the art itself. Subjectivity also extends to other art forms. In literature, the reader's interpretation can add layers of meaning that even the author might not have intended. In dance and theatre, the audience's emotional and intellectual engagement affects the perceived quality and impact of the performance.

The complexity of this relationship between structure and subjectivity highlights the multi-dimensional nature of art. While it is tempting to compartmentalise art as purely subjective or objective, doing so limits our understanding and appreciation of its richness. In ToK Essay 1 discussions, it's crucial to acknowledge that subjectivity and objectivity co-exist in artistic knowledge. Whilst we may celebrate the subjectivity that makes art resonate on a personal level, acknowledging the structural underpinnings can offer a more holistic view, providing a more nuanced answer to this classic ToK question.

Find out more about this essay title in the overview discussion with Gareth Stevens.

This is just a start of the type of overview that you can find in our ToK Essay Guidance notes for Essay 1. This year we have two versions of the notes: 

The Foundation Notes fully unpack the title, explore different ways to approach the concepts in the title, and explain a number of knowledge arguments that could be used. These notes are 4,000-5,000 words.

The Complete Guide has all of the same content as The Foundation Notes, and in addition has fully explained real life examples to illustrate each knowledge argument.The Complete Guide also has evaluation points and implications for each knowledge argument. These notes are 8,000-11,000 words.

You can find essay guidance notes for all of the essay titles at this link.

Stay Toktastic my friends,
Daniel,
Bangkok, Sept 2023

Detailed Guidance Video on Essay #1 May 24

Initial overview thoughts with Gareth Stevens on Essay 1 May 24

Exploring the tension between reliability and validity in AoK History