The manifestation of ideas in Art forms the other reason academic study is important. This means that Art not only conveys the ideas of a philosophy but also the ideals of a philosophy. Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged and Friedrich Nietzche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra are examples of art overtly expressing the idea of a philosophy. The music of Arnold Schoenberg and George Crumb convey the philosophies of modernism and minimalism respectively by utilizing the principles expressed in the philosophies as a governing force in the creation of their music. Jackson Pollock's paintings are the visual conclusion of the idea of a random universe.
Art can be a useful tool as a readily accessible embodiment of a philosophy.
Listening to a musical work of Steve Reich that repeats a limited number of notes for fifteen minutes will reinforce the philosophy of minimalism by making the abstract philosophy quite concrete. Quite a lot. Scripture contains examples of poetry, vocal and instrumental music, allegory, sculpture, woodworking, embroidery, architecture and abstract and representational art. For praise from the upright is beautiful. Understanding Art, philosophy and how Art reflects philosophy will enable a greater comprehension of present-day life and culture as well as the past.