Modern Philosophy 17th 19th Centuries Questions
The concept of 'the sublime' in the aesthetics of Edmund Burke refers to the experience of awe, terror, and astonishment that arises from encountering something vast, powerful, or overwhelming. According to Burke, the sublime is distinct from beauty, which elicits pleasure and delight. Instead, the sublime evokes a mixture of fear and pleasure, as it surpasses our ability to fully comprehend or control it.
Burke argues that the sublime is rooted in our instinctual response to danger and the desire for self-preservation. When faced with something immense or threatening, such as a towering mountain or a raging storm, we experience a sense of awe and fear. This emotional response is accompanied by a feeling of pleasure, as we recognize our own safety and distance from the object of the sublime.
Furthermore, Burke distinguishes between the mathematical sublime and the dynamic sublime. The mathematical sublime is associated with vastness and infinity, such as the expanse of the night sky or the depths of the ocean. It overwhelms our senses and challenges our ability to comprehend its magnitude. On the other hand, the dynamic sublime is related to power and destruction, such as a volcanic eruption or a violent storm. It evokes a sense of terror and astonishment at the immense forces at play.
Overall, Burke's concept of the sublime emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact of encountering the extraordinary and the overwhelming. It highlights the complex interplay between fear and pleasure, and the profound effect that the sublime can have on our aesthetic experience.