tsewen

The first part of Paul Graham’s article, “Taste for Makers,” contains my favorite argument against the subjectivity of tastes. Yes, I believe that one can objectively say, borrowing from Graham’s example, that Leonardo’s painting of Mona Lisa is great. Mona Lisa is a great painting, not because you happen to like it (subjective), but because the painting is objectively great. Otherwise, Mona Lisa is not a better painting than my stick figures. Rather, you merely prefer Leonardo’s Mona Lisa to my stick figures.

This argument can be similarly extended to other areas. We speak of great programs, great food, great performances, and great products. When we say so, we are making a statement about what we consider to be objective facts, not merely what our preferences are.

Unconvinced? Please discuss in the forum!