Objectivity of Aesthetics and Expertise in Film Judgments

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They discuss the objectivity of aesthetics in relation to film judgments, comparing movies like Chinatown and Cool Hand Luke to Twilight. They explore the problematic nature of expertise in determining the objective quality of movies, questioning the subjective judgments of cinematographers on Stanley Kubrick's work.

Dave and Tamler try to figure out what we talk about when we talk about objectivity. In past episodes we’ve claimed that logic and science (when it isn't fraudulent) are objective. Tamler has claimed repeatedly that "Louie" is an objectively better TV show than "Jessie." Dave is constantly claiming that Kant is objectively the best philosopher. But to be honest, we say these things without being exactly sure what we’re saying. Today we try to be sure--only to get more confused.

Plus, we get into a big fight over trigger warnings, the Kipnis affair at Northwestern, and other related issues. (The infamous Episode 45 was an ecstasy-fueled love fest in comparison.) However, we have spared our listeners the drama, and have only included a few lowlights. If you listen closely, you can even hear Tamler apologize.

Links

Sexual Paranoia Strikes Academe by Laura Kipnis [chronicle.com]
Laura Kipnis Is Cleared of Wrongdoing in Title IX Complaints [chronicle.com]
Title IX [wikipedia.org]
For Tamler's views on the campus climate and the Kipnis fiasco, check out his comments on this post. [leiterreports.typepad.com]

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