Beginning in the midst of the world: Ethics, poetics and social change on an international stage

Abstract

What makes one man's moral choice of self-creation any better than another's? This research explores the ability of art text to address the dilemma of an absolute relativism of conflicting values by linking poetic imagination to ethical responsibility for the other. Using a participatory research protocol drawn from Herda (1999), and a conceptual framework for analysis based on the theories of Heidegger, Ricoeur, Gadamer, Habermas and Kearney, the relationship of ethics to the arts was explored through research conversations held with artists representing various disciplines in Southeast Asia, Central Europe, and the United States. Findings included a belief—on the part of artists—that there is a discrepancy between commercial arts organization intention and that of alternative or educational institutions; there may be a disregard—by art text creators and/or presenters—for the religious and/or cultural traditions of groups within the world community; and a belief that readers or viewers of art text seem ill-at-ease or ill-prepared to participate in conversations with artists regarding the reading/viewing experience. Additional observations are made regarding society's ability to control cultural processes in the interests of human well-being.