Modernity and Modernism Analysis - Essay Example

Modernism and modernity affiliation Modernism and modernity The development of the globe to modern ways and means of operation can be defined as modernity. In the definition by Latour (1993) modernity is a more developed way in which operate and perceive existence factors. The author further point out that modernity is change in all aspect of life and the society (Latour, 1993). It is a universal factor that humans embrace as advancement. For instance, one may look at the modern cities and compare them to cities in the 18th century. The comparison shows significant differences in terms of the way in which human beings seek perfection and comfort. In addition, modernity can be described as a realization that aspects created in the history could be perfected and made more human friendly. On the other hand, modernism refers to the way in which human beings seek to implement an aspect of modernity in everything around them. Modernism was discovered after the First World War. At the time, people knew that there was an aspect of modernity in their lives. They had the opportunity to advance what they needed and use them in their advantage. After the world war, modernism was mainly used to create strategies and weapon aimed at self-protection. The aspect of modernism led to the creation more modernized weapons and developed more complex war strategies. This is a perfect example of modernism. In an argument by Horváth (2013) modernism does not limit itself in a specific paradigm that it needs to change. In the 18th and 19th centuries, theorists and philosophers created ideas, projects and theories that tend to explain the existence of particular phenomena and how to advance them (Horváth, 2013). The explaining of how natural occurring or historical created paradigms can be defined as modernism. This paper will explain modernity and modernism in four parts that are significant components of the society; aesthetic, social, cultural and philosophical. In general, the paper will analyze the changes we experience in the modern society and how the changes were implemented by the influence of modernity and modernism. Aesthetic Aesthetic refers to the ability of an object to appreciate art or beauty. Beauty and art can be referred to the aesthetic properties an object. However, aesthetic properties are artificial. They are works that denote art and beauty. In an argument by Greenhalgh (1990) art has developed from generation to generation as human beings become more appreciative of nature. The aesthetic properties of creation have developed significantly with the exposure the society to the modern way of doing art. The relationship between art and its aesthetic properties is based on the creativity level of the creator and availability of resources to create art and beauty (Reaktion, 1995; Latour, 1995). In reference to modernity and modernisms, art has developed as people are more exposed to resources and funds for art creation. However, Wilk (2006) argues that art before modernism and modernity was original and on true abstract feelings of the creator. The modern century, however, has a different definition of art. Art is used as a way to survive and life of a person. The growing needs of human beings have commercialized art. For this reason, art has diminished in its aesthetic qualities. The modern human has a need more inclined to survival that the respect of art and beauty. However, art created before modernism is still appreciated and highly valued. In an argument by Woodham (1996) paintings such as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Davinci, has retained its relevance till after modernization. This can be credited to the supposition that artists before modernism has more personal relationship with art. Modernism in regards to aesthetic properties of creation has borrowed from the creations made in centuries before modernity. From this creation, there have been creations that have significant aesthetic properties. Through modernism, modern artists have realized the quality in ancient art and creating art from them retains the quality of the modern art. Wilk (2006) points out that with the technology in the modern century, artists have been able to know the design behind the creation of ancient art. From this knowledge, more developed pieces or art and object are created. From this argument, one may point out that ancient art had exceptional aesthetic properties which remain significant in today’s artistic creations. However, through modernism the original ideas are able to be incorporated in significant creations and objects. Modernity has enabled artists to retain the aesthetic properties of ancient art and at the same time create more advanced art. Social Social paradigms have been in transition after modernisms. The social frameworks have been in existence from the realization of civilization (Crowley &Pavitt, 2008). The author defines social frameworks as small organizations that human beings enjoy in the society they live in (Woodham, 1996). This dictates the relationship, the existence and the interaction between human being and al they indulge in. in addition, social frameworks dictate the behavior by human beings. For instance, in the modern society murder is viewed as a sin and unethicalthat should be punishable by the same deed (Wilk, 2006). The realization of this particular social specification is based on the understanding created to create an understanding between human beings. It is an obvious assumption that before modernisms and modernity social frameworks condoned primitiveness. Social creations were never inclined to consider the feeling of a normal human being. In general the existence of a person was solely determinant in their tactic to survival this included the permission to murder. This particular approach was changed by modernity. In analyzing the modern social frameworks, there has been a significant change in their approach of life. The creation of social circles and frameworks is done by the consideration of human ethics, morals and civilization. In an argument by Benton, C & Benton (2003) civilization is the most significant creation of modernity in regards to social arrangements. The same argument is supported by Wilk (2006) who points out that through modernity; the vice of civilization has been developed to make life more comfortable in the modern society. For instance, the value and approach to education have been developed. This has increased the way in which human beings become civilized. This in indifferent to the era before modernization where informal education created and helped increase the level of not being civilized. In addition, the modern social frameworks revolve around the fact that money has become the most important possession. For this reason, social frameworks and factors have been commercialized to meet the demands of man. Lambert (1993) points out that the need for money and wealth has increased the activities in the modern society. The increase in activities has then increased the way in which people interact. The friendly properties of people have been increased by their abilities to develop more interaction ways such as education, business and sports (Lambert, 1993; Davies, 2004). However, argues that modernism has increased the level of social immorality and unethical behavior. This has been caused by the diminishing in significant social settings such as family and marriage (Thomas, 2000). Culture Culture is described as a traditional form in which human being base their beliefs. In an argument by Wilk (2006) culture is the factor that dictates the way of lie embraced by human beings. The author further argues that cultural affiliations describe the way in which people value their origins (Thomas, 2000). From the knowledge of one’s culture a person is enabled to develop features that denote their origin. Through culture people are enabled to identify with their kind. This is becausecultures tend to be competing due to the differences in the beliefs embraced. In an argument by Lambert (1993), modernity destroyed cultural affiliations in society. Modernity has increased the way in which people value technology and commercial needs rather than value of their origin. Thomas (2000) also points out that, modernity does not value the significance of culture. Modernity has limited the way in which human beings tend to appreciate their origin. The creation of needs and competing factors has drifted the human psychology from culture to embrace modern creations. In addition, the trend of modernization has portrayed culture affiliations as primitive thus limiting human interaction to cultural beliefs. For instance, cultural practices such as early morning circumcision in the traditional setting have been perceived as primitive as hazardous by health experts. In the traditional society setting, this increases the bond between peers and symbolizes the promotion to adulthood for participants. In this particular case, modernization can be perceived as helpful due to the negative impacts of such practices. However, minimizing human contact from cultural frameworks can be described as a negative influence. The modern society is infested with person with limited ideas on their culture and origin (Wilk, 2006). The author further points out that this is limitation to understanding the human anatomy (Wilk, 2006). In an argument by Davies (2004) modernity and modernism has created a successful distraction in humans that limit their connectivity to the real world. In addition, traditional cultures have been replaced with cultures that signify modernization. Such cultures are created through social circles. Thomas (2000) points out that the reedy nature of man has influenced the gap created between civilization and their culture. The modern man is more inclined to survival and search for wealth and stature. In addition, cultural specifications have been viewed as limiting to the success of the modern man a mandatory requirement crated by modernity. Philosophical Philosophy is described as a way in which theories of existence and human nature are explained and proven. Philosophy is responsible for the understanding of the existence of nature and the way in which human beings view as the appropriate way of leading life. In an argument by Wilk (2006) through philosophy we are able to understand the way in which natural existence of theories came to existent. The author further points out that the relationship between humans and the society is explained through philosophy. For instance, the creation of psychological theories and facts are created from the understanding human philosophy. Philosophy was realized before modernism. At this time, there were no explanations on the existence of anything. Philosophers set to create theories that could prove the success of nature in putting everything in its right place. For instance, Isaac Newton discovered the reason behind the non-floating nature of objects (Woodham, 1996). Isaac Newton discovered gravity and from the day of the existence gravity can be explained. Such discoveries were made even before the world wars. The philosophers had a lot to explore considering the fact that all existing matter and nature was not explained or proven. Even with the influence of modernity, the creation of original philosophical theories such as gravity have never been disputed or replaced. From this argument, one may points out that modernity and modernism respect philosophy. Reaktion (1995) points out that, modernity relies on pre-modernization philosophy theories to create outstanding feature. In addition, philosophers in the modern century generate their theories from already proven hypothesis created by early philosophers. In an argument by Wilk (2006) the journey to understanding nature and human beings was started by early philosophers but made more efficient by the inclusion of modernism in the quest. However, numerous philosophical theories have contested the original ideas of philosophy. This is achieved to provision the new theories and recording it success. This proves the assumption that modernity and modernism is not dictated by any aspect of nature or already created theories. In addition, modernism has implemented the application of philosophy theories. For instance, modern day buildings are created with designs that tend to reduce the impact of gravity; creating a large surface area (Greenhalgh, 1990). Conclusion From the paper, one may assert that modernity and modernism are significant inclusions in human life. In addition, the modern human greatly relies on modernity and modernism to survive and reach full potential. However, the success of modernity and modernism is dependent of pre-modernity way of life. Minus ancient theories of life, modernism and modernity will encounter significant limitation to their existence. References Benton, C & Benton, T., 2003. ‘Avant Garde Sources’, in Benton, C., Benton, T. and Wood, G. (2003) Art Deco: 1910-39. London: V&A Publications.   Crowley, D. &Pavitt, J., 2008). Cold War Modern, Design 1945–1970, London, V&A Publications. Davies, O. 2004.The Theological Aesthetics. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press. Greenhalgh, P., 1990. Modernism in Design. London: V&A publications. Horváth, Á., 2013.Modernism and Charisma. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Lambert, S., 1993. Form Follows Function. London: V&A Publications. Latour, B. 1993.We Have Never Been Modern. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Reaktion, K., 1995. Designing Modernity. London: Thames & Hudson.   Thomas, C., 2000. Popular Modernity in America: Experience, Technology, Mythohistory. Albany: State University of New York Press. Wilk, C., 2006. Modernism: Designing a New World 1914-1939. London: V&A Publications. Woodham, J., 1996. Twentieth Century Design, Oxford, Oxford History of Art Series Forty, A (1986) Objects of Desire, Design and Society since 1750. London: Thames & Hudson.   Read More