Critical Concepts

Objectivity and Reasoning in Interpretation


For some of you it may seem strange to think of works of art (like short stories) to be something that we would reason about.  After all, we sometimes hear it said that appreciation of art (as opposed, say, to understanding the sciences) is "subjective" - a matter of "feeling" (which is the prerogative of "individuals"), and of "taste" (about which there is "no disputing").  Three things need to be said to this.


  Return to the Index to the Glossary of Critical Concepts.


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      Contents copyright © 2001 by Lyman A. Baker

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  This page last updated 24 August 2001.