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Tracy Lau
Professor Harrison
Philosophy 25
10/09/16
Homework Assignment 2

Aesthetic reasoning is the judgments made about art (SoftChalkCloud.com). In aesthetic

reasoning, there are two different theories: functionalism and formalism. In this case, Im going
to focus on a specific object follows the functionalist theory. This theory states that art has a
function to serve and it has a job to do (SoftChalkCloud.com). For this theory, there is a set of
principles for aesthetic reasoning that an object must follow in order to be considered as art or
aesthetically valuable. Generally speaking, functionalism is incompatible with formalism
meaning that these two theories cant cross paths. The object that I chose to examine is one that
falls under the functionalist theory of aesthetic reasoning.
An object that I have physically encountered that I do not normally consider art or even
aesthetically valuable is a cloth case that is filled with either cotton, feathers or foam. I come

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across this specific object everyday when I need something to rest my head on and when I go to
sleep on my bed. It supports my head and neck area and makes whatever position Im in (lying
down, sitting up, etc.) feel much more comfortable because it gives support. Although theyre
most likely to appear on your bed, they can also be found on couches, chairs, as well as in cars
and sleeping bags. They can be purchased at any furniture or retail store. They also come in
many different varieties: shapes, sizes, colors and consistencies. This specific object has a quote
printed on the front. People use this object on a day to day basis and most people (not all) usually
have a specific one that they prefer. If this object doesnt suit a persons needs or expectations,
this can affect how well they sleep or how they feel the next morning when they wake up.
Although art has multiple different meanings, I have my own opinions on what it is.
Growing up, I associated art with drawings, paintings, sculptures and murals. Even as I got older,
I learned to realize that literature, music and dancing are forms of art. The actions a person goes
through while doing these activities speaks louder than words. I consider these to be forms of art
because I feel that these are ways of expressing your emotions and ideas. When partaking in
these activities, a person is usually trying to express themselves because they cant find the right
words to say. These activities and art forms open up ways for people to escape from reality and
be happy in their own little world where no one can interrupt them. My definition of art is when
a person (or people) uses their creative skill set to turn their imagination into a reality. The art
thats being created, in whatever form it wishes, should have emotion, beauty and significance
behind it and to its author. I believe that its a way of self expression. Art doesnt only have to be
what youre taught that it is (drawings, paintings, sculptures and murals), but it can also be other
forms of creative exercises or movements.

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I normally wouldnt consider this specific object to be art because it doesnt fit my
definition of what I believe art is and I wouldnt think of it as aesthetically valuable because
aesthetic value correlates to art. When I look at this object, it doesnt speak louder than words
nor does it help express ones emotions and ideas when they dont know what to say. It doesnt
help turn ones imagination into a reality nor does it have emotion and beauty. This particular
object doesnt fit my preconceived notions. I view this object as an item or substance that helps
me sleep due to its comfort and support to my head and neck area and thats the significance of
it, but thats the only criteria it fits when it comes to my definition of art. Although theres a
quote on the front of the object and its a saying thats very inspirational, I dont see it as an art
form because I still view it as an object whose purpose is to provide comfort and support to a
persons body. The quote it has doesnt distract me from its ideal function and intent. Ill admit
that theres a design on this specific object, but to me, that doesnt necessarily make it fit my
definition or criteria. Its something I come in contact with everyday, but due to the reasons listed
above, I wouldnt consider it art or aesthetically valuable.
There are a set of principles for aesthetic reasoning that an object must follow in order to
be considered art or aesthetically valuable. For the functionalist theory, there are six principles:
1. objects are aesthetically valuable if they are meaningful or teach us truths, 2. objects are
aesthetically valuable if they have the capacity to convey values or beliefs that are important to
the cultures or traditions they derive from, 3. objects are aesthetically valuable if they can help
bring social or political change, 4. objects are aesthetically valuable if they pleasure those who
experience or appreciate them, 5. objects are aesthetically valuable if they have the ability to give
their viewers certain emotions and 6. objects are aesthetically valuable if they can produce
special nonemotional experiences that are only brought up my art such as the feeling of

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autonomy or the willing suspension of disbelief (Moore/Parker 463-464). If an object follows
these six principles then they are considered to be art and aesthetically valuable in the
functionalist theorys point of view.
After reexamining this particular object from an aesthetic reasoning point of view, I can
understand that it correlates to the functionalist theory. The object is stitched with a quote on the
front that reads, Enjoy the little things. I can understand how this saying can be meaningful
and teach something true because it puts things into perspective. It teaches a person to not take in
everything at once, but instead, to take little steps and to have fun along the way. It also
correlates to principle number two because most likely, the person who came up with the idea for
the stitching on this object, has this outlook on life. Its a testament of what the creator believes.
It correlates to principle number three because art can shape cultural change no matter how big
or how small (Youtube.com). The quote on this particular object can create social change
because if you take this saying to heart and really live it, it can change how you look at do things.
For example, if you take the quote on this object to heart and do what it says, the way you live
socially can change. It can make a person have a more positive outlook. It also relates to
principle number four because people associate this object with comfort and support. This object
brings a person extreme pleasure especially when one is tired after a long day. When a person
takes a nap or goes to bed, this object brings them much happiness and delight because when one
naps or sleeps without it, it doesnt feel the name nor does it feel as good. This object can also be
seen as aesthetically valuable because it gives the audience certain emotions. As stated earlier,
this object can make a person feel delightful because it brings comfort and when a person lays
their head on this, it makes them feel at ease. Its a cushion that provides pleasure and
satisfaction when youre either lying down, sitting up, etc. I can also see how this specific object

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fits into principle number six. This object can give off a special non emotional experience that
comes from art due to its design and the way it looks. The way its constructed can be so
significant to a person that it can make them feel as if they were the creator of the object itself. In
a persons eyes, this objects design can be so compelling and consequential that if feels like that
person was the one to come up with the idea and turned into a type of creation.
When I examined my object for the first time, I didnt see it as art nor did I think it was
aesthetically valuable. I believed that the object was just a filled cushion whose job was to
provide comfort and support and nothing else. I viewed this object from my definition of what I
believed art to be and it didnt fit my preconceived notions. Therefore, I also doubted that this
object could be aesthetically valuable. After reexamining it and following the principles of
functionalism from aesthetic reasoning, I can see why a person may consider it as art or
aesthetically valuable although thats not what I viewed it as at first. In the end, it appeared that
this specific object that I was describing indeed did count as art and an aesthetically valuable
item.

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Work Cited

Aesthetic Reasoning. SoftChalkCloud. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.

Moore, Brooke Noel, and Richard Parker. Critical Thinking 10th Edition. New York: McGrawHill, 2012. Print.
TED. Thelma Golden: How Art Gives Shape to Cultural Change. Youtube. 16 Apr. 2010. Web.
10 Oct. 2016.