Alternative Traditionen

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This collection presents a comprehensive exploration of empirical literary studies through a series of essays and analyses spanning several decades. It begins with foundational concepts, such as the aesthetic association principle and the relationship between literary history and taste history. The author delves into key themes, including the evolution of literature, the impact of biography on artistic expression, and the definition of culture. Subsequent sections investigate the dynamics of fine arts, the necessity of audience research, and psychological factors influencing fiction reading. The influence of non-stylistic factors on aesthetic judgments is examined, alongside the ideological shape of popular literature during and after World War II. The work also addresses modern aesthetics, employing mathematical tools for text analysis and exploring the societal fate of literary works. The collection further discusses the interplay between literature and social contexts, the communicative nature of contemporary German poetry, and models for literary science. It culminates with reflections on literary concepts in the 1960s in West Germany and a sociological and psychological perspective on literary reception theory. The author proposes a framework for empirical research in literary communication, offering insights into the motivations behind art and literature's role in social communication processes, particularly in the co