Author: Huenemann

Here is an essay that will perhaps be interesting to the students in Aesthetics. Relevant quote:

The successful modern artist’s subject is himself, not in any genuinely self-examining way that would tell us something about the human condition, but as an ego to distinguish himself from other egos, as distinctly and noisily as he can. Like Oscar Wilde at the New York customs, he has nothing to declare but his genius: which, if he is lucky, will lead to fame and fortune. Of all the artistic disciplines nowadays, self-advertisement is by far the most important.

I do not agree that all modern art is like this. Many contemporary works explore feelings, attitudes, and events in our experience without feeling the need to tie them to transcendent themes. Some are merely explorations of color and composition. I don’t think you need “transcendent juice” in a work to make it powerful, beautiful, or provocative.

So, students, how excited are you about the classes you’ll be taking this term?

is philosopher. If you doubt me, check out the Wall Street Journal article. (Accountants, historians, and economists — and others — have us beat, though.)

Here is a provocative piece by Charles Murray arguing that employers should not esteem BA degrees over degrees from community colleges. A representative quote:

The benefits of discarding the bachelor’s degree as a job qualification would be huge for both employers and job applicants. Certifications would tell employers far more about their applicants’ qualifications than a B.A. does, and hundreds of thousands of young people would be able to get what they want from post-secondary education without having to twist themselves into knots to comply with the rituals of getting a bachelor’s degree.

It’s a little odd, I think, that Murray seems to value education primarily with respect to employment. I thought the aim is different: not necessarily to make capable workers, but to make more-educated people. Silly me.

… is the 2009 World Question sponsored by The Edge. Some very interesting answers are put forward, including: artificial intelligence, an understanding of creativity, laboratory earch colonies, wisdom, and the chemical control of violence.