Essays on Taste

"Essays on Taste" by John Gilbert Cooper and John Armstrong is a compilation of philosophical discussions from the mid-1700s that ponders what makes something beautiful and how we decide what is good art. These writings capture the changing views on beauty and art, bridging the gap between old traditions and new, more emotional ideas. Through letters and essays, the authors look at how we each see beauty, the right and wrong of art, and how our personal feelings and society's rules work together when we're forming our opinions. Cooper believes that taste comes naturally from within and connects to our sense of right and wrong. Armstrong, however, questions common art criticism and pushes us to think for ourselves when enjoying art and books, suggesting that real taste goes beyond just following the crowd. The authors together examine the ties between beauty, honesty, self-perception and the moral aspects of art.