The Century of Taste

The Century of Taste offers an exposition and critical account of the central figures in the early development of the modern philosophy of art: Hutcheson, Gerard, Alison, Kant, and Hume. Dickie follows the development of the modern theory of taste from its origination by Hutcheson, to blind alleys followed by Gerard and Alison, its refinement and complete expression by Hume, and finally to its decline in the hands of Kant. In a straightforward and unpretentious style, Dickie offers sympathetic discussions of the theoretical aims of these philosophers, but does not shy from controversy - for instance, pointing out the obscurities and inconsistencies in Kant's aesthetics writings, which Dickie argues are overrated.