Can Literature Enhance People's Morality?--The Analysis of Literary Functions

Qian Tang

《International Journal of Social Science and Education Research》 5卷2期 (2022/02) Pp. 543-548

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202202_5(2).0085

摘要

By combing western literature, it was discovered that Plato and Aristotle both realized the great influence of literature on the human mind. During the Renaissance and Enlightenment, many writers and artists were in favor of using literature to educate people, improve their morality, and transform society. The traditional view of literary function holds that literature has three functions. In fact, the cognitive function of literature is to give a deep impression, and the educational role of literature is to influence people's spiritual world and play an educational role. Literature expresses the intrinsic beauty of truth and goodness, affects human emotions, and naturally affects human souls. Literature itself contains truth and kindness, and the knowledge gained by people in reading acts on their own ethics through rational thinking. Literature cannot decide morality but must have an impact on morality.

關鍵字

literary functions ； Literature and morality ； Beauty and goodness ； Reason

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