Does Good Taste Exist?

The author, Paul Graham, argues that good taste exists, contradicting his father's view that everyone has their own preferences. He uses a proof by reductio ad absurdum, demonstrating that denying the existence of good taste leads to logically absurd conclusions.

• If good taste is subjective, then good art cannot exist.
• Therefore, artists cannot be objectively good at their work.
• This implies that even the greatest artists are no better than a random eight-year-old.

The Author's Experience

Graham's personal experience in studying painting convinced him of the existence of good taste. He realized that artistic skill is not merely subjective but can be objectively judged, comparing his own work with that of masters like Leonardo and Bellini.

The Challenge of Subjectivity

The author acknowledges the challenge of subjectivity in judging art. He notes that people often rely on extraneous factors such as fame, attractiveness, or societal expectations in forming their judgments.

• Experts' opinions on art can vary widely over time.
• This variability makes it easy to dismiss the idea of good taste.

The Nature of Artistic Judgment

Graham explores the challenge of defining "good art" as an objective quality. He argues that the goodness of art lies in its ability to impact people. Art is designed to work on its human audience, and because people have commonalities in their responses, there can be a degree of objectivity in judgment.

The Importance of Commonalities

The author compares the subjective response to art with the objective effect of vaccines. While individuals may respond differently to a vaccine, its ability to confer immunity is a measurable quality based on common reactions. Similarly, good art can be judged by its ability to effectively engage its audience, despite individual variations in response.

The Challenge of Measuring Taste

Graham acknowledges that measuring the effectiveness of art is more complex than simply taking a vote. It requires considering the opinions of people with a deep understanding of art, who are able to filter out extraneous influences. He recognizes that there is no absolute ranking of artwork or people's ability to judge it but maintains that a partial order exists, allowing for a concept of good taste.

The Role of Artists

Graham concludes that while there is no perfect taste, it is possible to have good taste. This understanding acknowledges the subjective nature of art while recognizing the objective aspects of artistic skill and the commonalities in human responses to aesthetic experiences.

The Importance of Understanding the Art World

Graham highlights the importance of understanding the art world and how it functions. He encourages people to engage with art critically, studying its history and learning to identify elements that contribute to its quality. This engagement can help individuals develop their own sense of taste and appreciate the nuances of artistic expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Graham's essay presents a thoughtful argument for the existence of good taste in art. While the subjective nature of aesthetic judgment is undeniable, he points out that there are objective elements to consider, such as the artist's skill and the impact of the artwork on its audience. By understanding the art world and engaging critically with art, people can develop their own taste and appreciate the beauty and power of artistic creation.