The Arts... oh, and Logic

Michael made a good point in his comments regarding the sublime and my very obvious focus on science and so-called "logical thinking". There is so much more to life than logic, and at a previous point, I was clear to point out to myself that it is entirely irrational to think that humans entirely rational. I saw the fallibility of reason, and how there are often driving emotions that overshadow and inhibit completely rational thinking. I was naive to think that this concept still didn't apply to my applications of logic; I just thought that this is a phenomenon that only applies to one's daily application of reason in a physical sense. And that is not entirely true. Every piece of logic has its flaws because, even if the operations are performed correctly, it is impossible to prove every premise to an indisputable degree. Hence, any application at all of anything remotely resembling "rationality" is prone to human error. Then again, that leads to the question of whether or not the idea of "rationality" is purely man-made in the first place. That is not the debate for today, because it is still seemingly one of my best tools I have to work with. That said, it may be the allen-wrench when I am looking for a flat-head screwdriver.

Now, back to ART. What is it, and is it more than merely a human creation? Why is it that in a world so driven by natural forces such as reproduction, one would care what some obscure object looks like? It could potentially have some correlation with intelligence, but then why is it so relative.

And is beauty only in the eye of the beholder? It is universal that art forms can have dramatic effects upon the perceiver (I use that word to relay that art is seen, heard, felt, tasted, and, why not, smelled). People are overwhelmed by art. I know I personally have a strong emotional attachment to music and photography. There are songs that just tug at my heart, make it light, or put me in a mood that seemingly came out of nowhere.

These could be simple brain reactions to particular stimuli, but I am going to argue against that for the moment. They might, really, have intrinsic value beyond which we perceive. They effect us in ways we don't understand, and they are so prevalent in society that it cannot be ruled out that there is something to them we do not understand. There is a math to beauty, so why can there not also be a science to it as well?

I love music. I find it to be one of the most relaxing or emotion evoking stimuli. And I refuse to believe that it is just a catalyst. In some regards it is one, but I believe that art forms can hold the emotions of the artist, and then have a distinct value to them. Music can make your heart beat fast, slow, or turn it upside down and rip it from you. Some music just does that, either with the manner in which it uses language or the way the instrumentation complements the melodies and harmonies. Just ask a composer: music has a sort of release inherent to it that frees the mind to the experience of the emotions it itself contains. 

From there I see the power of art, but I wonder where it falls into the picture of life. All I know is that it deserves more than a backseat. It is not just along for the ride, and it doesn't seem like it is a mere happenstance or byproduct of the establishment of the universe. It plays to major of a role. Are we the only ones who acknowledge it? That might be possible, but if there is more to art then there must be more to us. If art is only art when we perceive it, and it holds special significance in the world, then must not we also, as we are the only ones who can see it? The answer is not clear on that matter, but that is a topic for a later date.

What do I want with this blog?

If you are reading this, then there is something going on. I am thinking, as I write this, about making this my own person journal for my Meaning book. I may write out some ideas as they arrive to later look back and see what I am working with when it comes to actually putting together any sort of book-resembling material.
On that note, hello, and may this blog be helpful to you in the quest to find the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life the Universe and Everything. And I do apologize for bad references, of which that was not one.
Now, I hope this will keep me continuous on my writing so I don't go too long without getting anywhere, realizing that there is more to this book than writing. I need to try these ideas out on a daily basis so I can determine if they get me anywhere.

From there, I wish you good readings, and I ask that you comment on what you've read. Please, that would be greatly appreciated.