History of Ideas 8: Susan Sontag
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Sontag's Argument Against Overinterpretation
Overinterpretation, as argued by Sontag, is the prevailing vice in intellectual and academic circles. The focus on seeking hidden meanings behind various forms of art leads to overlooking the value of experiencing the thing itself. Sontag believes that the true essence lies beyond the surface and form of the art, requiring interpretation to uncover deeper truths. However, she criticizes interpretation as often pretentious, filled with excessive words that lack substance and fail to achieve their intended purpose.
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