more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
An historian can elucidate convention while having no feeling for the art that exploits it; whereas an understanding of tradition is reserved for those with the critical insight which comes from the love of art, both past and present.
Gist of Idea
We can be objective about conventions, but love of art is needed to understand its traditions
Source
Roger Scruton (Public Text and Common Reader [1982], p.24)
Book Ref
Scruton,Roger: 'The Aesthetic Understanding' [Methuen 1983], p.24
A Reaction
This aesthetic observation is obviously close to Scruton's well-known conservatism in politics. I am doubtful whether the notion of 'tradition' can stand up to close examination, though we all know roughly what he means.
| 12159 | Without intentions we can't perceive sculpture, but that is not the whole story [Scruton] |
| 12160 | In aesthetic interest, even what is true is treated as though it were not [Scruton] |
| 12161 | We can be objective about conventions, but love of art is needed to understand its traditions [Scruton] |
| 12162 | In literature, word replacement changes literary meaning [Scruton] |
| 12163 | Literary meaning emerges in comparisons, and tradition shows which comparisons are relevant [Scruton] |