Origin, Meaning, and Importance of Humanities and Art

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental terms, ideas, and benefits of humanities and art discussed in the lecture notes.

Humanities

Academic disciplines that study the various aspects of society and the noble qualities of humankind, making people more humane, cultured, dignified, and refined.

Studia Humanitatis

Renaissance Latin phrase meaning the study of humanities—grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy.

Renaissance

Period (beginning in the early 15th century) when secular study of studia humanitatis flourished in European universities.

Grammar (Humanities)

The study of language structure, one of the core subjects in studia humanitatis.

Rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking and writing, central to classical and Renaissance education.

Poetry (Humanities)

Literary art form that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings.

History (Humanities)

The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.

Moral Philosophy

The branch of philosophy concerned with ethics and the principles of right and wrong behavior.

Art

The conscious creation of something beautiful or meaningful using skill and imagination; a branch of the humanities.

Ars

Latin word meaning ability or skill, root of the modern word 'art' (J.V. Estolas).

Artis

Italian term connoting craftsmanship, skill, mastery of form, and inventiveness (A. Tan).

Subjectivity of Art

Idea that perceptions of an artwork’s beauty or meaning vary from person to person.

Sensuous Medium

Physical material—color, sound, bronze, marble, words, film—through which an artist communicates ideas and feelings (C. Sanchez).

Plato’s View of Art

Art brings life into harmony with the world.

John Dewey’s View of Art

Art is an attitude of spirit that shapes matter into more significant form for fulfillment.

Man-Made (Essential of Art)

Art is created by humans, not by nature or a deity.

Creative (Essential of Art)

Art involves original invention rather than mere imitation.

Medium (Art)

The specific material or technique through which an artist expresses ideas (e.g., paint, stone, words).

Art Appreciation

Ability to interpret, understand, and enjoy man-made art through direct experience with artworks and materials.

Aesthetic Experience

Personal encounter with art that brings pleasure, insight, or emotional response.

Art History

Study of the historical development and stylistic context of major and minor art objects.

Major Arts

Painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Minor Arts

Decorative or applied arts such as ceramics, furniture, and other objects.

Painting

Art of applying pigment to a surface to create images or expressions.

Sculpture

Three-dimensional art created by shaping materials like stone, metal, or wood.

Architecture

Art and science of designing and constructing buildings.

Literature

Written works valued for artistic or intellectual merit.

Theater/Film

Performing arts that combine acting, dialogue, and visual storytelling.

Dance

Art form that uses rhythmic bodily movement, often to music, for expression or storytelling.

Music

Art of arranging sounds in time to create melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.

Importance of Art (General)

Art commemorates events, reveals thoughts and beliefs, fosters appreciation of beauty, inspires change, and provides aesthetic delight.

Swara Swami’s Benefits of Art

Highlights that art boosts creativity, joy, stress relief, talent showcase, confidence, academic success, visual learning, emotional expression, and non-verbal communication.

Importance of Art to Students

Through arts participation students develop creativity, identity, self-awareness, confidence, well-being, wonder, cultural engagement, and future opportunities.