Javanese Aesthetics in the Contexts of Ethics, Culture and Civilization

IMAM, SANTOSA (2012) Javanese Aesthetics in the Contexts of Ethics, Culture and Civilization. Mudra (JURNAL SENI BUDAYA), 27 (3). p. 1. ISSN 0854-3461

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Abstract

This article, which was written based on research, attempted to see the relation between the cultural elements which were confronted with objects as artifacts. Considering that artifacts have the system of highly sophisticated values, it is necessary to distinguish culture in its wide definition from civilization. The term civilization is used to refer to parts and elements of refined, developed, and beautiful parts and elements of culture, such as art, science, cleverness in writing, state organizations and so forth. The term civilization is also frequently used to the culture which has the systems of technology, science, architecture, fine arts and state in a complex society. This article was aimed at acquiring understanding of the position of aesthetics as one of the elements forming an artifact and its relation to the aesthetics in the constellation of civilization and culture. As a result, its position in the system of Javanese culture could be identified. Aesthetics (or arts) in Javanese language is not formulated as a concept. To find out its context, it was confronted with the applicable universal value of aesthetics as a concept (Thomas Aquinas, 1225-1274). It is stated that something is beautiful if it contains the following three things: (1) integrity or perfection; (2) harmonious or accurate proportion; (3) clarity. What is true and what is beautiful are synonyms; the truth intended is the heavenly one. Keywords: Aesthetics, beauty and truth

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