The Tragic in Aesthetics from Classical Theory to Modern Applications

Abstract

The tragic is a fundamental category in aesthetics, reflecting the dialectical conflict between freedom and necessity, between the beautiful and the ugly in the processes of social and individual development. This article analyzes the historical formation and development of the concept of the tragic from ancient Greek aesthetics (Aristotle), through German Romantic aesthetics (Hegel, Nietzsche), to Marxist-Leninist aesthetics and its application in the modern Vietnamese context. Employing historical-logical analysis and comparative methods, the study elucidates the essence of the tragic as a profoundly humanistic aesthetic phenomenon that not only evokes sorrow but also forges the will to struggle. The findings demonstrate that the tragic serves not only as a tool for cognizing reality but also as a driving force for social progress. In the era of globalization, the application of the tragic in Vietnamese art contributes to cultivating critical and humanistic consciousness, enabling individuals to confront contemporary contradictions such as social inequality and environmental crises. The research proposes directions for developing aesthetic theory on the tragic in the context of digital culture, aiming to enhance its educational and aesthetic value.