David Hume's 1757 philosophical essay examines whether artistic taste is purely subjective or if universal standards of beauty exist. The Scottish philosopher argues that while individual preferences vary, experienced critics can identify objective principles that distinguish good art from bad.
The great variety of Taste, as well as of opinion, which prevails in the world, is too obvious not to have fallen under every one's observation. Men of the most confined knowledge are able to remark a difference of taste in the narrow circle of their acquaintance, even where the persons have been educated under the same government, and have early imbibed the same prejudices. But those, who can enlarge their view to contemplate distance nations and remote ages, are still more surprised at the great inconsistence and contrariety. We are apt to call barbarous whatever departs widely from our own taste and apprehension: But soon find the epithet of reproach retorted on us. And the highest arrogance and self-conceit is at last startled, on observing an equal assurance on all sides, and scruples, amidst such a contest of sentiment, to pronounce positively in its own favour. As this variety of …Continue reading →
A brilliant Scottish philosopher of the 18th century, this skeptical thinker revolutionized our understanding of human knowledge and reasoning. His groundbreaking works on empiricism and causality challenged traditional beliefs about what we can truly know, profoundly influencing modern philosophy, psychology, and science with his rigorous questioning of assumed truths. All works by David Hume →
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