Philosophy For Our Times The crisis of the new | Stanley Fish, Claire Hynes, and Martin Puchner
Apr 8, 2025
Join literary critic Martin Puchner, renowned scholar Stanley Fish, and author Claire Hynes as they dive into the complex idea of originality in art. They debate whether genuine originality is achievable, considering how much creativity stems from reimagined ideas. The conversation navigates the tension between imitation and innovation, exploring how external pressures shape authenticity in creative industries. With nods to AI's role in artistry, they challenge listeners to rethink the pursuit of the 'new' and understand the value of cultural exchange in enriching creativity.
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Originality, an Exaggerated Illusion
- Genuine originality in art is likely an illusion, as all new ideas build upon existing ones.
- The emphasis on novelty has been exaggerated, especially since Romanticism.
The New and Commodification
- The concept of "new" is often driven by influential groups and tied to commodification.
- True novelty arises from a distinct difference from previous works, perceived as new by a critical mass.
The Triad: Original, Novel, Authentic
- Originality, novelty, and authenticity are distinct but related concepts in art.
- They form a problematic, raising questions about the possibility of truly unique creation.
