Definition

Noun: 1. The belief or principle that a work of art is an end in itself, serving no purpose beyond its own existence. It is the concept that art is intrinsically valuable and justified by its own form and being, rather than by any external function, moral lesson, or social utility.

Usage

• Autotelism is a core concept in discussions of aesthetic philosophy and art criticism.
• It is used to describe an artwork's quality of being self-sufficient and created for its own sake.
• The term is often applied in contrast to views that see art as didactic, political, or commercially driven.

Examples

• The poet's commitment to was evident in his focus on the musicality of language rather than narrative meaning.
• Critics debated whether the abstract painting exemplified pure or if it was a commentary on chaos.
• The doctrine of holds that a novel's primary purpose is not to teach but to exist as a complete aesthetic object.

Advanced Usage

• "Art for art's sake" is a closely related phrase and popular slogan expressing the idea of autotelism.
• In literary theory, the concept of the "autotelic text" describes a work that draws attention to its own artificiality and structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Autotelic (adjective): Having itself as its own end or purpose. Describes an artwork or activity that is self-justifying.
  • He pursued painting as an autotelic activity, valuing the process above any potential sale.

Synonyms

• Self-containedness (in an artistic context)
• Immanence (philosophical)
• Intrinsic purpose

Antonyms

• Instrumentalism
• Utilitarianism
• Didacticism

Noun

1. belief that a work of art is an end in itself or its own justification