Mary Beth Willard

Mary Beth Willard, an associate professor of philosophy at Weber State University, delves into the ethical complexities of appreciating the art of immoral artists. She argues that individual boycotts often lack impact and that enjoying art doesn't equate to endorsing the artist's actions. The conversation explores the difference between enjoyment and engagement, the challenges of collective action, and the nuanced ethical implications of enjoying problematic artworks. Willard highlights the risks of moral grandstanding in the context of cancel culture.

Mary Beth Willard, an Associate Professor of Philosophy, dives into the complexities of enjoying art created by immoral artists. She explores whether we can separate the artist from their work, using examples like Michael Jackson's allegations. The discussion highlights the tension between moral responsibility and personal enjoyment, particularly in today's cancel culture. Willard examines how society grapples with the legacies of controversial figures, probing the impacts on marginalized communities and the evolving attitudes of younger audiences.