Poetics between classical and modern: the influence of Aristotle’s understanding of poetry on modern art theories

Resumo

Aristotle’s Poetics presents the perspective of classical logic on the nature, purposes, and functions of art in literary theory and aesthetics. Through his analysis of tragedy, in particular, Aristotle attempts to explain the impact of art on the human psyche and how it reflects universal realities. The concept of mimesis, which Aristotle explores in this context, refers not to the simple copying of the external world but rather to the expression of the universal and general through specific forms and situations. Thus, rather than simply imitating nature as it is, art reveals the meanings behind it, human actions, and emotional experiences. Furthermore, in the context of tragedy, the concept of catharsis enables the audience to both purify and educate themselves emotionally. In this respect, Aristotle’s Poetics fosters the development of an understanding of art that can be examined not only in aesthetic but also in ethical and psychological contexts.
In the modern period, particularly with developments in logic and the philosophy of language, the structure, logical relationships, and meaning-making processes of art and literature have been approached from different perspectives. Ludwig Wittgenstein’s theory of language games argues that the meaning of a work of art is formed within the social context and cultural environment in which it is used. By emphasizing that meaning is not fixed or universal, the interpretation of art becomes flexible and polysemic. Nelson Goodman, on the other hand, developed a systematic approach to how art functions through language and symbol systems. His “language-changing” theory of art views works of art as logical symbol systems and aims to analyze these structures. Arthur Danto, on the other hand, focuses philosophically on the conceptual dimension of art, arguing that the meaning of a work of art is constantly reshaped by its surrounding theoretical framework and cultural context.
This article compares the understanding of tragedy and mimesis in Aristotle’s Poetics with the theories developed by modern logical philosophers on art, meaning, and logic. It examines how both approaches address fundamental problematic debates, such as whether art is universal or contextual, and whether meaning is fixed or relative. Consequently, the interaction of classical and modern perspectives allows for a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of both the logical structure and aesthetic functions of art.