Philosophy Now Forum

Michael Langford argues for a degree of objectivity in aesthetics.

http://philosophynow.org/issues/91/Are_ ... s_of_Taste

This was an interesting article, but Langford goes about his point in an odd way. He seems to be saying that "art" is typified by an ability to identify objective criteria, and since wine-tasting can also identify objective criteria, it should be considered an art. But then he seems to say that the great downfall to his argument is that art also evokes emotion and wine-tasting doesn't evoke emotion "in a systematic way".

That's just odd. First of all, I don't understand the idea of emotion being systematic. Second, it seems an oxymoron to say art must have objective criteria. I like that he was able to give some examples of such. It makes it seem more plausible that art could possibly be taught, graded, and styles copied. But is that the objective of art? To be graded and copied? For some reason that doesn't feel right. Second, I don't see why wine-tasting is necessarily devoid of emotion. I have often been caught unaware by an aroma that invokes powerful memories (the smell of baking bread instantly takes me back to summers on the farm and my grandma's kitchen), and the emotions connected to those memories. Given that aroma is a part of wine-tasting, why couldn't it evoke emotion?

Regardless, he makes some interesting observations. First and foremost that wine-tasting can be an art ... and by this he seems to mean a worthwhile pursuit that brings with it those indescribable benefits that all art brings. Second, that, "... it is perfectly coherent for someone who happens not to like Impressionist painting to say: 'This is a good example of Renoir,' and if they are an educated critic, to be able to give reasons for this judgment." The idea that there is room for those who dislike a certain piece of art to enter the conversation with something constructive is a worthy idea indeed.

Resha:

Second, that, "... it is perfectly coherent for someone who happens not to like Impressionist painting to say: 'This is a good example of Renoir,' and if they are an educated critic, to be able to give reasons for this judgment." The idea that there is room for those who dislike a certain piece of art to enter the conversation with something constructive is a worthy idea indeed

Resha, thanks for this - I have allowed my subscription to lapse, so your description and thoughts about the article are fantastic

Finding and explaining 'reasons for judgment' - isn't that what gets the brain ticking compared to simply declaring likes/dislikes. And applied to philo - then, a great example of how we should not get quite so stuck reading the stuff we like, feel comfortable with; but try to move beyond our preferred Dead and Great philosopher or favourite topic.

Even dabbling in the colours of words themselves...to think where no-one has thunk before
Let's start up a new Word Movement...?!?
Er...what should we call this new 'philosophy'...er...em...'Free thought'...hmmm...perhaps not !

Taking a break...now...really need it...

Best -
MB

marjoramblues wrote:Resha, thanks for this - I have allowed my subscription to lapse, so your description and thoughts about the article are fantastic

Thank you. But should you admit you're now a freeloader?

marjoramblues wrote:... we should not get quite so stuck reading the stuff we like, feel comfortable with; but try to move beyond our preferred Dead and Great philosopher or favourite topic.

True to some extent. Studying history is my way to excuse reading the heretics. When I was growing up Communism was a synonym for evil. But since my European history class required reading Lenin ... well, what are you going to do, the teacher made me read it. Reading Lenin helped me appreciate what a brilliant and persuasive man he was ... and also how base and manipulative he was. That's also how I ended up reading other works I never would have otherwise: Gilgamesh, Popol Vuh, Rabelais, Voltaire, and yes, even Hitler.

marjoramblues wrote:Even dabbling in the colours of words themselves...to think where no-one has thunk before
Let's start up a new Word Movement...?!?

I love writing. It's a passion of mine. I once heard an author talk about the taste of words, and I still find that idea fascinating. So, what words taste red to you?