What if the ideals can only be reached when forgotten about? What if material reality serves as the bridge to the world of ideal? Art may play that role. Are there any philosophers that have suggested something like this?
Several philosophers have considered it in some ways. Plato and his theory of forms are probably the most famous examples. Plato said that the world is a shadow of a world of perfect, eternal forms. However, Plato also emphasised a conscious striving towards the ideals of the forms. This is similar to what you have suggested, but it is not a perfect fit. Arthur Schopenhauer suggested that art can provide an escape from the will (the striving, material part of existence) by allowing us to experience pure contemplation. This could be interpreted as art serving as a bridge between the material and the ideal. Heidegger’s reflections on art suggest art reveals truth by presenting the material world in a way that discloses deeper realities. For Heidegger, the work of art bridges the everyday material world and a more fundamental ontological truth.
Nietzsche might be an even better fit. In The Birth of Tragedy, he explores the interplay between the Apollonian (order, reason, ideal form) and the Dionysian (chaos, instinct, raw material reality). For Nietzsche, art, particularly tragic drama, emerges as a synthesis that allows humanity to grapple with and transcend material existence. While Nietzsche wouldn’t frame this as striving toward “ideals,” the process of creating and engaging with art bridges the raw materiality of life and a kind of transcendence.
What if the ideals can only be reached when forgotten about? What if material reality serves as the bridge to the world of ideal? Art may play that role.
Are there any philosophers that have suggested something like this?
Several philosophers have considered it in some ways.
Plato and his theory of forms are probably the most famous examples. Plato said that the world is a shadow of a world of perfect, eternal forms. However, Plato also emphasised a conscious striving towards the ideals of the forms. This is similar to what you have suggested, but it is not a perfect fit.
Arthur Schopenhauer suggested that art can provide an escape from the will (the striving, material part of existence) by allowing us to experience pure contemplation. This could be interpreted as art serving as a bridge between the material and the ideal.
Heidegger’s reflections on art suggest art reveals truth by presenting the material world in a way that discloses deeper realities. For Heidegger, the work of art bridges the everyday material world and a more fundamental ontological truth.
Nietzsche might be an even better fit. In The Birth of Tragedy, he explores the interplay between the Apollonian (order, reason, ideal form) and the Dionysian (chaos, instinct, raw material reality). For Nietzsche, art, particularly tragic drama, emerges as a synthesis that allows humanity to grapple with and transcend material existence. While Nietzsche wouldn’t frame this as striving toward “ideals,” the process of creating and engaging with art bridges the raw materiality of life and a kind of transcendence.