In Defense of Humanism

More about the book

Focusing on the critique of traditional humanism, Richard Etlin explores the nature of aesthetic experience across various art forms, including visual arts, literature, and dance. He establishes criteria for assessing value in the arts and delves into the creative process and artistic genius. By reaffirming the moral and lasting qualities of great art, Etlin critiques post-structuralist thinkers like Derrida and Bourdieu, situating their ideas within modern intellectual history. The work serves as a defense of humanism's cultural significance in contemporary discourse.