Why would a government or a politician fear art (and/or certain philosophical viewpoints in generally)?

it is the ultimate fear of any person in power, elected or not. the whole thing for them is LOSING POWER. ideally no one can question what they do. this may only seem totalitarian, but they gotta do what they gotta do. this is why they go out crazy in some countries and have banned books and other materials because EDUCATION is their biggest threat. the only thing that can stop them is if people realize they are getting screwed over (which education usually does). however, it is way more prevelent the less "free" a society is.