Episode #91: J.K. Rowling, Art, & Experience

Update: 2023-03-27

Description

In this episode, Josh and Ian talk about the importance of art in human culture and the separation of artists and their art. They talk about linguistic derivations of the word "art" and academic study of its definition, whether or not anything could be called art and something's inherent aesthetic value, the differences between "art" and "craft", the function of and subset of art, how art is used to share narratives about culture, the emotional and physiological connection to aesthetics, Napoleon Bonaparte and other highly influential historical figures, Friedrich Nietzsche's perspective on the necessity of art, ugliness and beauty, the work of contemporary artists and emergence of "modern" art, the influence of Richard Wagner and the increase of antisemitism, how so-called "success" holds back the cancelling of prominent public figures, the public controversy of J.K. Rowling and the backlash to her remarks from voices within the queer and transgender movement, how Rowling's success has given her the power of influence in the culture, whether or not Rowling is or what she has said is "transphobic", the extreme reactions to Rowling's comments from those within the trans-activist movement, the use of moralistic language, the differences between sex and gender and Rowling's concern of the trans-movement's direction, how movements have been successful throughout history, and various other topics.