AbstractsPhilosophy & Theology

William Hazlitt: the structure and application of his critical standards

by Elaine Plasberg




Institution: Boston University
Department:
Year: 1961
Keywords: Hazlitt, William, 1778-1830
Record ID: 1581152
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/4866


Abstract

The dissertation argues that Hazlitt's writing is organic, with staunchly held principles directing any subject he touches upon, and that his criticism of literature and the fine arts is not only based upon consistent artistic standards, but is also closely related to his criticism of contemporary theories of reform and his criticism of the philosophies of association, materialism, and utility. The dissertation outlines the social, psychological, and philosophical theories upon which Hazlitt's aesthetic is based, presents his critical standards, defines his more elusive terminology, and, finally, views him as an affective critic.