“For all criticism is based on that equation: KNOWLEDGE + TASTE = MEANINGFUL JUDGMENT.” – Daniel Mendelsohn, The New Yorker
“The art critic, however, formalizes and deliberately exemplifies the role of the spectator who realizes the artist’s work—not by leaving it just as it is, but by adding something to it, making a personal contribution.” – Barry Schwabsky, The Nation
“[Criticism] means making fine distinctions. It means talking about ideas, aesthetics, and morality as if these things matter (and they do).” – Dwight Garner, The New York Times
I chose these three quotes because although I think they make wildly different claims about the role of criticism, they are all equally interesting to me and equally forceful. Each critic writing is clearly up on his soapbox, writing this particular line so it drips with emphasis and conviction. The concentration of “keywords” waiting to be unpacked is through the roof – taste, meaning, judgment, spectator, aesthetics, morality – which makes these quotes feel like the diamonds in the unfolding rough of these essays. Mendelsohn even incorporates an all-caps font to drive his point home. Yet after they manage to distill the act of cultural criticism to its simplest possible “sound-bite,” it is clear they have arrived at different conclusions with different levels of effectiveness.
Only one of these critics mentions what I might have thought was the linchpin of criticism: judgment. Mendelsohn holds up “meaningful judgment” as the desired end result of his equation, while Garner only talks about “distinctions.” Distinctions are important to make, but there is less of a connotation of assigning value with distinctions. Schwabsky moves even farther away from suggesting value judgments by calling criticism a “personal contribution” to an artist’s work. I have to admit I chafe a little at this; I do not want to believe that negative critical reviews give critics any ownership over a work. Call me old fashioned, but I think that it’s possible to view the discourse around a work of art as existing alongside the work rather than “adding something to it” or altering it. Further, I think that the notion of giving a subjective “contribution” might be at odds with Schwabsky’s idea of the critic as representing the Audience Member with capital letters.
But enough beating on Schwabsky. No quote works harder towards distillation than Mendelsohn’s equation, and I was really taken with its simplicity at first. However, on further thought, something started to seem a little off about it. I realized the problem was in one of his “keywords”: taste. Taste is pretty hard to define, but for me taste is not separate from knowledge (as the equation might suggest). I would define taste as having the knowledge to either justify or overcome your base feelings about a work of art in order to decide whether or not it has merit. Taste is not only knowing what you like to consume in culture, but also knowing what work is valuable (another word with many meanings). This sounds a lot like criticism. Maybe replacing “knowledge” with “context” or “teaching” would make the equation make more sense to me.
At the end of the day, I think Garner’s distilled take on the role of criticism speaks to me the most. As the humanities seem increasingly undervalued next to STEM fields, it is just nice to hear the simple statement that the intangible things I like to think about are, in fact, important. (I can overlook my slight problem with judging the “morality” of art to preserve this feel-good moment.) Garner only has to zoom out a little from the detailed debate on criticism to point out the fundamentally important aspects of critical thinking to the broadest human experience. Something that is exciting to me about criticism is the commitment to making important, nuanced ideas clear to an audience outside the ivory tower. Garner manages to do this gracefully and make a powerful point: “Our critical faculties are what make us human.”
1,594 Comments
As a seasoned player, I can confidently say that m99 asia login stands out as a beacon of excellence in the online games landscape. Highly recommended!
I’ve tried several online games, but none compare to the excitement I find at ibet789. The live dealer games are truly immersive, and the payouts are swift!
The level of professionalism and dedication at ibet789 net is truly commendable. It’s evident that they prioritize customer satisfaction and deliver an exceptional gaming experience.
me88 has redefined online gaming for me. The vibrant community, generous bonuses, and smooth gameplay make it my go-to slot.
From the moment I signed up, me88 login has exceeded my expectations. The user-friendly interface and diverse game selection keep me coming back for more!
bearbrick888 has struck the perfect balance between entertainment and security. Their commitment to responsible gaming is truly admirable.
eclbet attention to detail and commitment to fair play sets them apart. It’s refreshing to find an online slot that truly prioritizes the player’s experience.
mb8 embarking on your gaming odyssey with us. Is further enriched by the 200% Welcome Bonus, an exclusive offering that extends a generous boost to new members upon their initial deposit
Joker123 stands as a prominent Asian-based online gaming service provider, celebrated for its user-friendly interface and captivating gaming experiences.
Taruhan parlay dan slot gacor hanya di kampusbet88
cari parlay dan slot? hanya ada di kampusbet88
macaubet togel terpecaya
855bet good website
banaspati4d situs togel terbesar diindonesia
bearbrick888 so amazing
bearbrick888 site so amazing
mb88 malaysian gaming trusted
mb8 login malaysian trusted
UDON88 selaku agen slot online terbesar di Indonesia senantiasa memberikan yang terbaik untuk anggota baru dan anggota lamanya, Karena kepuasaan untuk anggota merupakan salah satu pioritas kedua kami.
Hello, this weekend is good for me, since this time i am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. slot 2024
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Football Kits
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work betflik
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. SEO Agency
We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work. LeadMaker Media
You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. Federal Tax Credits SETC
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can’t wait to read lots of your posts. https://denzeitungen.de/
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually understand what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally consult with my web site =). We can have a hyperlink change agreement between us
https://www.eurokody.net/
I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! garage door repair rogers
Outsystems Development Company in India!
OutSystems stands as a versatile platform, enabling the rapid creation of robust web and mobile applications that outpace the competition. As a low-code platform, it demands minimal coding, resulting in swift project turnaround. OutSystems boldly asserts its capability for lightning-fast, full-stack visual development of enterprise-level applications. Beyond speed, OutSystems facilitates seamless integration with existing systems and cross-device compatibility. For enterprises, it unlocks remarkable scalability opportunities, thus rendering the possibilities boundless with OutSystems. Visit- https://prometheastech.com , mail- hello@prometheastech.com
Situs WAKTOGEL kemudian bekerja sama dengan beberapa penyedia game slot online terbaik di Asia dengan RTP tertinggi dan kemenangan mudah dimulai dengan taruhan kecil di setiap game slot Gacor terbaik saat ini. Saya sangat menyukainya, dan saya menantikan kabar dari Anda selanjutnya. Terima kasih atas informasinya berita mengenai terpopuler hari ini di tahun ini. Untuk informasi lebih detail, silahkan kunjungi website kami untuk informasi lebih lanjut
Situs WAKTOGEL kemudian bekerja sama dengan beberapa penyedia game slot online terbaik di Asia dengan RTP tertinggi dan kemenangan mudah dimulai dengan taruhan kecil di setiap game slot Gacor terbaik saat ini. Saya sangat menyukainya, dan saya menantikan kabar dari Anda selanjutnya. Terima kasih atas informasinya berita mengenai terpopuler hari ini di tahun ini. Untuk informasi lebih detail, silahkan kunjungi website kami untuk informasi lebih lanjut WAKTOGEL the largest and most trusted online game site in Asia.
WAKTOGEL Situs bandar terbaik dan terpopuler kini telah hadir di permainan slot Gacor. Tentu saja Anda bisa mendapatkan keuntungan dari bermain game slot online yang bisa Anda raih. Sebagai situs permainan slot online anda bisa mendapatkan kemudahan dalam permainan slot online WAKTOGEL yang bisa anda dapatkan dengan mudah dan mudah. Saya sangat menyukainya, dan saya menantikan kabar dari Anda selanjutnya. Terima kasih atas informasinya mengenai berita terpopuler hari ini di tahun ini. Untuk informasi lebih lengkap, silahkan kunjungi website kami untuk informasi lebih lanjut WAKTOGEL the largest and most trusted online game site in Asia.
the only link that is sure to offer continuous jackpots. We are committed to providing the best playing experience for all our players, as evidenced by the characteristics of our best online slot agents such as license, reputation, deposit speed and bonuses. For clearer information, you can https://kunangpeko.com/
the only link that is sure to offer continuous jackpots. We are committed to providing the best playing experience for all our players, as evidenced by the characteristics of our best online slot agents such as license, reputation, deposit speed and bonuses. For clearer information, you can https://fondasi5g.com/
Online gaming site agents play very comfortably and it is very easy to get big profits. And you can get the convenience of playing online slot games which are provided in full. I really like it, and I look forward to hearing from you next. Thank you for the information regarding the most popular news today this year. For more complete information, please visit our website for further information https://waktogel.wtf/
Online gaming site agents play very comfortably and it is very easy to get big profits. And you can get the convenience of playing online slot games which are provided in full. I really like it, and I look forward to hearing from you next. Thank you for the information regarding the most popular news today this year. For more complete information, please visit our website for further information https://128.199.65.19/
The ABUTOGEL site is a provider of a list of the best and most trusted slot sites in Indonesia, online 24 hours, selling safety and security when playing, Gacor slots dare to guarantee that all participant data is safe, I really like it, and I look forward to hearing from you further. Thank you for the information regarding the most popular news today this year. For more complete information, please visit our website for further information https://kalonghoki99.com/
The ABUTOGEL site is a provider of a list of the best and most trusted slot sites in Indonesia, online 24 hours, selling safety and security when playing, Gacor slots dare to guarantee that all participant data is safe, I really like it, and I look forward to hearing from you further. Thank you for the information regarding the most popular news today this year. For more complete information, please visit our website for further information ABUTOGEL the largest and most trusted online game site in Asia.
Garner’s perspective on the role of criticism resonates deeply with me. In an era where the humanities often take a backseat to STEM fields, his emphasis on the importance of intangible concepts reaffirms the significance of the subjects I’m passionate about. Despite minor disagreements, such as judging the “morality” of art, I appreciate the overall message of valuing critical thought. Garner’s ability to transcend intricate debates and highlight the broader relevance of critical thinking to the human experience is truly compelling. His assertion that our critical faculties define our humanity underscores the profound impact of intellectual engagement beyond academic circles.
Of course, as a student, I often used online help for writing essays. Here are some tips I’d like to share based on my own experience:
Choose reliable sources: When looking for help online, make sure you are using reliable sources. These can be well-known websites, academic journals or databases.
Maintain academic integrity: Never copy or plagiarize someone else’s texts. Use online help as a source of information and insights, but form your own opinions and arguments.
Check Ratings and Reviews: Before going to a particular service or platform for essay writing help, carefully evaluate their reviews and ratings. This will help avoid fraudulent platforms and ensure quality assistance.
Ask questions: Feel free to ask questions or clarify details if something is not clear to you. If you use the services of consultants or writers, it is better to clarify all the nuances before they start working on your assignment.
When I looked for essay writing help online, my main strategy was to choose well-known and trusted resources. I always try to adhere to the principles of academic honesty and not to copy other people’s texts. Before contacting a particular service, I always carefully check reviews and ratings to be sure of the quality of the service. I do not hesitate to ask questions and clarify all the details in order to get the most satisfactory result.
When I needed help writing an essay, I always turned to online writing support services. This allowed me to use my time efficiently and get quality results. I have always been careful when choosing a service, checking reviews and ratings to have confidence in the reliability and quality of the service. Regardless of the topic or the difficulty of the task, this approach has always allowed me to achieve the desired results in my educational activities.
I needed help writing an essay, I always tried to use online resources as a source of information and insights. During this process, I tried to maintain my own unique way of thinking and my own opinions, even with outside help. I believe this approach helps me grow as a student by allowing me to use a variety of resources to deepen my knowledge and expand my understanding of the subject.
When using online essay writing help, I always strive to maintain my own personal perspective and unique approach to the topic. This allowed me to reflect my own understanding of the material and develop my own arguments. Thanks to this, my works acquired a personal touch, which made them more interesting and original.
I found that by using such sources, I could add my own perspective on the topic and expand my knowledge. This approach has always helped me achieve the desired results in my educational activities.
Even with outside help, I tried to reflect my own thoughts and beliefs. It made my work more authentic and convincing, helping me to express my uniqueness as a student.
When using online essay writing help, I always prefer sources that have a good reputation and reviews. I made sure that the selected resources provided quality and reliable information so that my papers would be sound and convincing. This allowed me to trust the process and receive quality help in completing tasks.
When using online essay writing help, I always focused on developing my own analytical and writing skills. I have found that learning from experts and using their advice helps me improve my skills and achieve higher results in my academic activities.