Aristotle argued that art imitates not what is the case but theorizes what could potentially be the case. Art focuses on what Aristotle designated "universals." As history recounts particular events, so art portrays particular events in terms of how well they embody universal ideals and values. Philosophy theorizes about theorizing itself. Instead of encouraging the passions to take control of reason, art is the means by which we cleanse or purge the passions and through which we engage in a "catharsis" or cleansing. Therefore, according to Aristotle art replaces erotic and aggressive passions rather than causing them and that is the social function of art according to Aristotle.
