The Arts have Value, in and of themselves

Thank you Dear Opponent for proposing this lively debate. Just to make sure our base of understanding is solid and consistent, a couple things I want to clear up: A more complete list of the arts: painting, music, theater, movies, sculpture, modern art, TV, fashion *as well as* printmaking, photography, architecture, dance, culinary arts and literature. Definitions: Britannica says, "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others." According to Webster: 1. skill acquired by experience, study, or observation 2a. a branch of learning: i. one of the humanities, ii. (plural) liberal arts; b. (archaic) learning, scholarship 3. an occupation requiring knowledge or skill 4a. the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also : works so produced; b. i. fine arts, ii. one of the fine arts, iii. a graphic art 5a. (archaic) a skillful plan; b. the quality or state of being artful 6. decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter This of course makes the spectrum of "the arts" enormous and really could encompass a cornucopia of objects, talents, activities, shows, etc. You are arguing: the arts have no value; art is not a goal; the arts are not necessary I will will show that art is innately important and has inherent value. Keep in mind, art is a creation of the civilized. It is obviously not "needed" like oxygen and food and water are. However, it is just as "needed" as math and science, for those too are disciplines of order and civilization. We'll address copyright laws later and separately if thats ok? I think its slightly tangential but am willing to address it if you really want to. Otherwise, lets go! Art is a form of expression as well as a fine-tuned combination of practice and talent. Let's break it down though-- a) Expression. So what? We all express ourselves everyday, right? Sure, but some are better at it than others (like anything). Some people express themselves so well that others follow them, respect them, listen to them. Expression is communication of symbolism, mood, sentiment, etc. Not only is this important due to the ideas it examines and shares, but also because of the feelings, ideas and actions that occur as a result. b) Practice & Talent. Regardless of talent, arts take practice to refine and perfect. Thus, arts teach and encourage the important of practice (a valuable lesson). In addition to the hours and hours that make for the perfect experience, raw talent founds and fosters these artistic skills. We are a culture that recognizes and embraces talent. We realize it is rare and appreciate the benefits it can bring us. Now, value: 1. a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged 2. the monetary worth of something; market price 3. relative worth, utility, or importance ...[unrelated definitions] 7. something (as a principle or quality) intrinsically valuable or desirable Art certainly has monetary worth and demands high market prices at times. This alone reflects an amount of value. In fact, every "art" you listed, not even including my additions, represents an international industry that makes millions. Industry is good. It creates jobs, products, and services. Success is even better. Art thus has value in this way. As for relative worth, utility and/or importance, art holds up. As I have already proven, its monetary worth is evident. Its cultural worth is also high. The arts are the backbone of culture. And like industry, I think we can agree culture is good. Culture defines peoples. It instills pride, encourages greatness. Art may function as a communication method or as entertainment, or both. The utility here is apparent. Communication (especially that of high quality) allows us to share ideas, express emotions, etc. And entertainment induces positive feelings, allows us to relax and enjoy something simply for fun. While you may argue entertainment is wasteful or distracting, I argue the exact opposite. Specifically, art offers an escape from the mundane. It allows people's imaginations to thrive. It captures rare and unusual beauty and shares it with the masses. That is the power of art. So, while you may not choose to purchase art (though I'm quite sure you do), others do and thus, it has measurable value. Art also offers a medium of expression that is unparalleled. While it may not be the most efficient method to explain mathematical proofs or describe a scientific experiment, it portrays, represents and recreates many ideas that math and/or science fall far short of doing justice. Art in its various forms can offer a glimpse of the past-- visible only through paintings, heard only as music, felt solely through dance. In many ways, these experiences offer a uniquely pure taste of the enjoyment, awe, and excitement that hundreds and thousands of others have felt throughout time and space. Art can also capture fleeting, yet momentous occasions. Film and photography strive here, immortalizing memorable moments. Yet art is so much more than simple record-keeping. It is a means of passing down not only the cold, hard facts of where, when, who, how, but also the intricate details of spirit, emotion, and beauty. And this brings me to my next point. Art is necessary. Why? Because it is the only way to capture and share beauty. Math and science simply CANNOT do this. There is no way. Art on the other hand offers a variety of modes with which to express and capture the beauty of a moment, an idea, an event. Well why is beauty so valuable then? Again, easy. First, it pleases us as humans. We enjoy it. Much like we enjoy a good meal or cherish a good night's rest. Second, it inspires us. Beauty is the muse of muse. And from beauty spawns creativity, imagination and innovation. As I said earlier, we obviously will not die without art. Nor will we die without mathematics, the sciences, etc. However, it, like math and science, serves to make our lives better. Math and science allow us to do things faster, more efficiently. Art in its creation allows us an outlet for the river of thoughts and feelings we must dam up every day. In appreciating art, we then allow others' thoughts and feelings entrance to our minds. While this is not always a life-changing experience, it can also be quite enlightening. Moving on. My last point for this round (based on space) is that art forces us to analyze in a way that math and science cannot. This skill and the results thereof are innately valuable (like art). While math may beg the bottom line and science quests to uncover cause and effect, the arts require a different approach. It take interpretation, recognition of universalities, a focus on both the micro- and macrocosm. Art makes people consider another's point of view in relation to their own (whether making or appreciating art). This sort of awareness of the people with whom we share our universe is key. It helps shape our decision-making, alters how we evaluate a situation and may put into perspective our specific place in it all. There is no "right" and "wrong" answer when it comes to art, but rather a spectrum of stories and truths. In the end, we all share the human experience, regardless of the differences between us. Art finds the commonalities among us and highlights them. And there is nothing unnecessary or useless about the power to bring many together under common ideas. In summary: Art is valuable. This is proven monetarily. It is also qualitatively valuable in that it offers a unique medium of expression. Art is communication, sharing and capturing moments. Art preserves that which is fleeting. Art embraces that which is beautiful. And art brings us, the human race, together under the common appreciation for it. Good luck in Round 2!