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It is a mistake to suppose, with some philosophers of…

“It is a mistake to suppose, with some philosophers of aesthetics, that art and poetry aim to deal with the general and the abstract. This misconception has been foisted upon us by mediaeval logic. Art and poetry deal with the concrete of nature, not with separate 'particulars,' for such rows do…” quote by Ernest Fenollosa
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“It is a mistake to suppose, with some philosophers of aesthetics, that art and poetry aim to deal with the general and the abstract. This misconception has been foisted upon us by mediaeval logic. Art and poetry deal with the concrete of nature, not with separate 'particulars,' for such rows do not exist.”

Ernest Fenollosa

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author argues that art and poetry focus on concrete natural details rather than abstract universals, a view distorted by medieval logic.

In simple terms: Art deals with concrete nature, not abstract concepts.

Key Takeaway

Focus on tangible details in creative work.

Themes

art philosophy perception

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • painting
  • poetry
  • design
  • education
  • critical analysis

Key Concepts

aesthetics concreteness medieval logic

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does focusing on the concrete affect interpretation?
  • Can abstraction coexist with concreteness?
A Different Perspective

Abstract thinking still plays a role in interpreting art.

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