Bernard Stiegler - A quoi sert l’art? [What is art for?]

According to Bernard Stiegler, the primary function of art is to foster discernment and to transform the human being. It is not simply a creative activity, but a process that acts upon our brain, our emotions, and our consciousness. For Stiegler, art—through its technical and aesthetic dimensions—is inseparable from politics and history.

Here are some key points of Stiegler’s vision of art:

• Discernment:
  Art helps us develop our ability to distinguish, analyze, and make critical judgments about the world around us.

• Transformation of the human being:
  Art acts upon our brain, altering our perception and sensitivity. It contributes to our evolution as human beings.

• Inseparability of aesthetics and politics:
  Art is not an isolated sphere. It is intimately linked to political, technical, and social questions. It is thus a matter of power and a tool for societal transformation.

• Art as pharmakon:
  Stiegler sees every technical invention as a pharmakon—both a remedy and a poison. Art, as a form of technique, can be used for beneficial or harmful purposes, which is why continuous reflection on its role and use is necessary.

• An art yet to be invented:
  In response to the rise of digital technologies and their potential misuse by industry and the market, Stiegler calls for the invention of an art that aligns with the challenges of our time—an art that is not merely entertainment, but a tool for individual and social transformation.

In short, for Stiegler, art is not merely a recreational activity, but an essential process for transforming the human being and building a more just and harmonious world.