Plato’s two key ideas about images and their creators as well as his point of view on beauty are impertinent topics whether it allows for any standing today. The first idea is central to Plato's philosophy and is based on his theory of forms. According to Plato, there is a world of perfect and eternal form that exists beyond the temporary material world around us. This eternal world is the source of all beauty, goodness, and truth, and it is the job of the philosopher to seek knowledge of these forms. The temporary material world on the other hand, is an illusion, a mere imitation of the eternal world of form.
Plato relates this theory to memises (imitation), arguing that art is merely an imitation of material copies and material copies are merely imitations of the eternal forms; thus arguing that art is at two levels removed from reality and is therefore inferior. For Plato, the goal of creating art is to express an ideal shape in the most beautiful and pleasant way possible rather than presenting an image of reality. And because art is an imitation of an illusion, it cannot truly capture the beauty and goodness of eternal forms and thus lead a false conception of the truth.(p.7)
The second big idea that Plato has about art and culture is that they are powerful like a double edged sword, it is therefore also dangerous. With the rise of media in the era of information, the power of art to shape beliefs and values is becoming stronger than ever. In today’s society people are constantly stimulated with images, messages, and bytes of information where many are exposed and desensitized to all sorts of media (e.g advertising, film, pornography etc) enables for us to also habitually allow a lack of self control, unrealistic and ambitious ideas as well as form lousy opinions in our lives regardless of whether it may be true or false.(p.20) Plato argued that art has the power to shape people's beliefs, attitudes, and values that can influence the moral character of individuals and society as a whole. Art can be a powerful tool for promoting positive values and ethics, but it can also promote wrong or harmful ideas. Thus for this reason, Plato advocated severely restricting people's access to works of art, as they could harm individuals and society as a whole.
Although the majority of people to this day would disagree to his extreme
view in arguing that access to art should be severely restricted and may view some of his ideas
may be seen as outdated or extreme, Plato's opinion is veritable in pointing out the potential
dangers of art and his concerns about the power of art to shape beliefs and values remain relevant3
in our everyday life. To recognize the limitations of Plato's view of beauty and art, it is essential
to be aware of the background and messages we encounter in art and media, and to interact with
them critically and thoughtfully. However, it is also highly important to celebrate and appreciate
art for its ability to inspire, enlighten and most importantly, express ourselves.
