The following text is from an aesthetics article.
Aesthetic experience, for Kant, involves disinterested pleasure in an object's form rather than practical utility or conceptual knowledge. This "free play" of imagination and understanding grounds judgments of taste claiming universal validity. Yet aesthetic judgments seem incorrigibly subjective: "de gustibus non est disputandum." Kant's attempt to reconcile universality with subjectivity through the "sensus communis" remains philosophically generative and contested.
What is the primary purpose of the text?
To explain Kant's aesthetic theory and identify a central tension it addresses
To provide tips for appreciating fine art
To compare Kant's aesthetics with contemporary art criticism
To argue that aesthetic judgments are purely subjective
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text explains Kant's disinterested pleasure concept and identifies the universality-subjectivity tension that sensus communis addresses.
- Evidence: The text explains the concept: "Aesthetic experience... involves disinterested pleasure." It identifies the tension: "claiming universal validity. Yet aesthetic judgments seem incorrigibly subjective." It notes the attempt: "Kant's attempt to reconcile... remains philosophically generative."
- Reasoning: The passage introduces a philosopher's theory and highlights the central paradox it tries to solve.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to explain theory and tension.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: Art is subjective... but also universal? Kant tries to fix this.
Choice B is incorrect because appreciation tips aren't given. Choice C is incorrect because contemporary criticism isn't compared. Choice D is incorrect because Kant's universality claim is presented.