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a comparison between Tolstoy and Plato by Drs. T. J. Kuijl ©1995-1999 last updated April 29, 1999 |
INTRODUCTION
1.
A comparison between Tolstoy and Plato
Could Tolstoy and Plato actually be compared in the way both use transcendence
as a source of inspiration and for guidance in matters of arts and science?
This introduction aims to introduce the most essential features with which
this quest can be started. First Tolstoy’s aesthetic appreciation will
be introduced. He formulates in "What is art?"1 how art
and science serve their true purpose when they are connected with our 'religious
perception'. His frame of thinking suggests an interesting resemblance
with Plato's written opinions concerning Eros and its drive to transcendence.
Consequently Plato's 'doctrine of Eros' will be introduced to illuminate
the way Plato uses Eros as the dynamic, creative and transcending force
in arts and science. This procedure will open then the possibility, to
prove Tolstoy's structural coherence between art, science and transcendence
to be on some major issues identical with Plato's. The psychological dimension
both perceive in their qualification of art and science shows a striking
similarity. This introduction will end with a further reference to the
contents of the next chapters.
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| Last updated April 29, 1999
author: Drs. T. J. Kuijl ©1995-1999. Comments are welcome and can be send via e-mail (click on e-mail) Quotations of the content of this article should mention the author's name and its source. Copies of this article must leave the text unaltered including the copyright reference. Dissemination of electronic copies is not allowed. |
1. L. Tolstoy, What is art?, translated from Russian by A. Maude, W. Gareth (red.). London 1994; first published 1889.