Single Idea 7269

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 1. Artistic Intentions]

Full Idea

The intentional fallacy is a romantic one.

Clarification

The fallacy is the belief that the author's intentions are crucial

Gist of Idea

The intentional fallacy is a romantic one

Source

W Wimsatt/W Beardsley (The Intentional Fallacy [1946], §II)

Book Reference

'Philosophy Looks at the Arts', ed/tr. Margolis,Joseph [Charles Scribner 1962], p.94


A Reaction

Wrong. Even with those most famous of anonymous artists, the architects and carvers of medieval cathedrals, without some discernment of the purpose you won't get it. The Taj Mahal is a love letter, not a potential ice cream parlour.