A Philosophical Inquiry into the Nature of Computer Art
by Holle Humphries
Before the computer is accepted unquestioningly as a legitimate
artistic medium, some of the challenging aesthetic and philosophical issues
raised by [computer art] must be solved. The most haunting questions concern
the impact of the technology on the artist, the creative process, and
the nature of art.
How might we lead students in an exploration of the philosophical issues
regarding art created with a computer? The most important step is first
to guide them in exploring ontological concepts and questions asked about
the nature of art and computer art, before investigating related issues
of epistemology, value, and criticism. Students need to understand the nature
of their art tool and medium of choice. Therefore, it becomes a matter of
concern to discover that when discussing and writing about computer art,
students sometimes use such terms interchangeably as "computer art"
and "computer-generated art," when they are not synonymous, and
talk about "virtual reality" as though engaging in any activity
that involves a computer constitutes experiencing one. It is clear that
this problem arises because many have not paused to examine the nature of
computer art within the context of the process and product of art, and the
subtle nuances regarding what might distinguish each from other human enterprise.
To help clarify their thinking, we might use the foundation of art theory
and the strategy of philosophical inquiry, implemented by adopting questioning
strategies, to guide students through an exploration of the ontological
nature of computer art. This can begin by launching the question: "What
is the nature of art - or computer art?"
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