52. - HISTORY OF INDIAN ÆSTHETICS 55

• HISTORY OF INDIAN ÆSTHETICS 55

Leaving aside the external factors, which are respon- sible for the consciousness of imitation, if we analyse spec- tator's consciousness of basic mental state, caused by dra- matic presentation, we find that consciousness is not of an imitated emotion, but that of real one. For, if we take the inference of the basic mental state as the inference of an effect from the cause, the situation; or as of a cause from the effect, the mimetic changes, or as of a major term from that which is invariably concomitant with it, the inferred mental state would be the real basic mental state and not an imitation of it. It cannot be urged that the situation etc., are real only in the case of the historic, the imitated, but in that of the hero on the stage, they are only creations of art. Therefore, the basic mental state also, that is inferred from them, would be only that of the artistic imitation of the real. For, then the exponent of the imitation theory will be asked whether the situation etc., as artificially presented on the stage, appear to the spectator to be artificial or real. In the former case, inference of basic mental state will be im- possible. In the latter, the consciousness of the inferred being an imitation will be out of question. Nor can the exponent support his position as follows :- It is a well known fact that scorpions come into being in two ways. They are not only born but also spring from cowdung, preserved under certain conditions. The two, the one born and the other sprung from cowdung, differ in certain respects, so that an expert eye can know the origin from appearance. Thus, from effects, apparently similar, different causes are inferred by experts. Therefore, in the same way, from the artificial situation presented on the stage the inference of an artificial basic mental state is but natural to a man of critical judgement.