fandomhigh | Practical Philosophy, Monday

It was downright balmy out today, which frankly was a first for Ender's class - he was more used to having to watch the skies for sudden attacks of rainstorms or the like. Not that that ever stopped him, but still: it was nice not to have to worry about.

He walked in and sat down when everyone had settled, putting the bag of sandwiches down in the middle of the group. "So," he said. "Last Friday, most of us encountered an old Fandom classic - bursting into song whether we like it or not. Usually not."

He stretched out his legs. "Now there's a lot of discussion about art, expression, of which music is a part. Many have argued that a well-developed civilization needs art, to get people to better themselves - the paternalistic approach - or because expression is a fundamental part of human nature. It is, I suppose: we all express ourselves in our own ways, whether it be through song or painting or macaroni sculptures."

Ender paused, looking wry. "Of course," he said, "You could argue that what happened last Friday was more a 'spewing forth', an unpleasant regurgitation of your or someone else's expression that you didn't intend and didn't ask for. Is it still self-expression when it's done at metaphorical gunpoint? And something that I wondered about - is there a point to doing it, voluntarily or not, in front of someone you've already shared yourself with? Or is it freeing to just... sing out what's on your mind, without social filters, but with an easy excuse to blame it on?"

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"What, specifically, are you curious about?" Ender asked, sitting up. "We'll see if we can find some answers between the lot of us."

"Idea of expression and culture as inherent to nature of species. Self-awareness born from in-born desire to express? Or other way around, self-awareness leading to reflection leading to expression?"

Mordin had a habit of getting off-topic, but at least this time he was aware of it.

"Not asking for definitive answers, just...perspectives. How people view human expression."

"It depends on who you ask," Ender said. He didn't mind off-topic - that was when his class thrived the most, if he was entirely honest. "Some humans consider the arts to be an intrinsic part of what we are, something we are born with that is hard-coded into our hearts. That we seek a way to express ourselves always through our hobbies, sometimes with an emphasis on performance."

He shrugged.

"Of course, another branch insists that practicality is much more important, expression is a luxury, and the idea that it is somehow intrinsic to our souls is ridiculous at best."

"Ridiculous assertion. Even post-nuclear krogan have art. Violent, brutal, warring species, but still some cultural growth."

Though Mordin had seen some of their 'art' and thought maybe their culture could do with some more growing.

He wanted to know different perspectives, but he couldn't deal with people being objectively wrong. Which is probably why he was an aspiring geneticist and not a sociologist.

"Sure," Ender said easily. "But your perceptions change with your priorities. When those priorities lay in cold hard pragmatism - an economical view of life - it can be easy to miss and dismiss some things people value dearly that aren't part of that worldview."

Mordin tapped his chin. "Hm. Economical view demands rationality in all actions, decisions based on most lucrative choice. Art uses up time and resources, don't make art. Frivolous." Mordin was more talking to himself than anyone now. "No, no, art is expression of self but also reflection of world, philosophy, perspectives. Can't grow emotionally or intellectually without reflection. Art not waste of resources." He stopped monologueing and turned back to Ender. "Thank you, sir. Have given me something to think about. Not exactly about human culture, but advanced cultures in general."

"I agree," Kathy said, nodding. "Even in the worst situations, starving, beaten, and broken, people find ways of creating art. Whether it's for reflection, a reminder that they existed, to document their conditions, or just to focus on something that isn't misery, they created art."

She frowned for a moment, thinking. "I feel like that last branch is kinda classist, you know? Saying that the poor and weary can't make art, because they're too busy trying to survive. But whether its song or a style of weaving or a cave painting or something, there's always art being made."

Practical Philosophy, Monday

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