In his work "Critique of Judgment", Immanuel Kant formulated the fundamental aesthetic principles of classical art. He addresses three theoretical issues related to literature: the spiritual freedom of poetry, imagery as the core of literary technique, and continuity in creative process.
Kant considers art to be a "free play of the imagination", separate from practicality. He argues that beauty in art represents the expression of aesthetic concepts conveyed through words, gestures, and tone. Poetry is held in the highest regard among the arts, freeing ideas from constraint. Art exists as an independent activity, and public speaking does not hold the same value.
Kant emphasizes that artistic expression should not lead viewers to dogmatic beliefs or manipulation. His ideas on the freedom of art can be seen as a call for the preservation of works in museums and libraries.. Modern aesthetics calls for a reconsideration of the traditional approach to art, which emphasizes active engagement with the work and its context. Art is not limited to physical objects, but also includes the interaction between the artist and the audience. The artistic form serves as a medium for communication between individuals, even when they are separated. The image, as a central element of literature, is endowed with meaning and significance.
Continuity and innovation in literature are essential for fostering creativity, as emphasized by Kant. Modern aesthetic theories prioritize the uniqueness of an artist's vision, rather than the novelty of their work per se. The ideas of Kant continue to influence contemporary art scholarship and shape attitudes towards the creative process.