Lecture 11a - Aesthetics and the Value of Nature, Janna Thompson

What does Thompson argue?

Define instrumental value.

Define intrinsic value.

Are beautiful artworks merely of instrumentally valuable?

What 2 things does Thompson say we must establish if we are going to argue for moral obligations to nature, based on aesthetic value?

Why did Thompson think that we needed objective grounds for thinking that nature has aesthetic value?

Does Thompson believe that it is possible to come to learn how to enjoy a piece of art “properly”?

Yes, she think it is possible.

Explain an example that illustrates that it is possible to come to learn how to enjoy a piece of art “properly”.

What are the implications of Thompson arguing that you can form objective judgements about what is beautiful?

What is Thompson’s strategy to convince us that we can make objective judgements about aesthetic value of nature?

Explain Thompson’s overall argument.

What is the first example Thompson uses to illustrate that there are concrete reasons why some art is objectively good?

What is an example Thompson uses to illustrate that there art and nature share certain qualities—making them both objectively aesthetically valuable?

Explain why Thompson thinks that some art can be objectively better than others. Provide an example.

What is Thompson’s first argument that art is valuable and ergo why nature is valuable?

What is Thompson’s second argument that art is valuable and ergo why nature is valuable?