autotelism

9.9

A belief that art exists for its own sake

noun
/ˌɔːtəˈtɛlɪzəm/

Literature

: autotelismo

The concept of autotelism argues that a work of art should exist for its own sake and does not require justification from external sources.

Examples

The concept of autotelism argues that art requires no external justification or function beyond itself.
The concept of autotelism emphasizes the intrinsic value of art.
Modernist poetry often embraces autotelism, focusing solely on artistic form and internal purpose.
Some critics believe in autotelism, defending the autonomy of artistic expression.
Many artists embrace autotelism in their work.
Modernist poetry often embraces autotelism, focusing solely on artistic form and internal purpose.
Some critics believe in autotelism, defending the autonomy of artistic expression without the need for outside validation.

Antonyms

extrinsic

4 7.7

Not part of something and coming from outside

utilitarianism

Specialized

4 9.1

A belief that actions are right because they help the most people

Surface Forms

autotelism singular

autotelisms plural

Morphology

autotelism = autotelic (semi-transparent) = auto + tel + ism

The noun is formed regularly from autotelic with -ism, but the base adjective itself depends on classical elements that many B1 learners would not know.

Etymology

Autotelism comes from the Greek parts auto- 'self' and telos 'end' or 'purpose'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of auto- like in autobiography ('self') — autotelism is the idea that a work of art has its own purpose and does not need any outside reason.