Homework Question on Planned Obsolescence
- In your course readings, Ernesto Calkins and Edgar Kaufmann represent opposing views of planned obsolescence. In an essay, make a convincing argument representing your own view: either for or against or only partially in favor of planned obsolescence in aesthetic design. Define your position with a clear thesis.
- If you agree wholly with one author and not the other, you must answer to the concerns the other author raises. If you don’t think the other author’s concerns are valid, then you must explain why they are not. If you think that both authors’ views on planned obsolescence have merit, then you must explain how the two views can be reconciled. After all, they are totally opposed.
- Therefore, it is logically impossible to simply agree with both. If you think both viewpoints have merit, then you have to articulate a solution—a third path—that merges the two philosophies. Alternatively, if you disagree with both authors, you have to articulate what the weaknesses of each are, and then pose an alternate to both that solves the problems you find in both.
Homework Answer on Planned Obsolescence
Planned obsolescence is a process in which manufacturers produce commodities that have a limited useful life (Laurie, 2014). The main argument is that goods should be availed to the consumers even if it means compromising their quality. In this case, commodity prices are lower and majority of consumers can afford the products even though they are not durable. In light of this, artists produce artifacts and pieces of arts for their customers or consumers.
Lindgaard et al. (2011) defines aesthetics as the nature of art that stimulates emotional values, taste, and judgment as a response to beauty of a piece of art. Aesthetic designs lay much focus on the visual effects as they satisfy human needs in the contemporary reflection and appreciation of a piece of art (Lindgaard et al., 2011). Planned obsolescence in aesthetic design is a strategy that argues that artifacts should be produced and distributed with an adequate lifespan, thus requiring the consumers to purchase the latest version of the piece of art.
A renowned American artist in the early 20th century, Ernesto Calkins, argued for planned obsolescence on arts designs while Edgar Kaufmann opposed vehemently to this move. The two artists made a contribution towards this argument that has raised a heated debate from a wide spectrum. Therefore, this paper propagates for planned obsolescence in arts in line with Ernesto Calkins argument. This is due to the fact that this strategy is a necessary aspect of economic growth in a capitalist society.