I recently read a statement that claimed that "Everyone in the world secretly (or not so secretly) thinks they have the best taste in music." This certainly rings true. Peter cannot be convinced that the Beatles are anything other than the greatest band in history. Thomas will claim to the bitter end that Coldplay is where it's at and Nate may argue that Nickleback, despite all the vitriol, continue to reign as kings of Rock & Roll-ish-ness. However, there are certain artists that I don't like that I acknowledge are very talented, they're just not my flavor (Joni Mitchel for example). I would suggest that this is true not only in musical arts but in other areas of art and life.I think as a family, or at least as siblings, we often make a statement of preference as if it is a statement of fact. If I like Radiohead better then other bands (and for good reason) I claim that they are "the best band" in "the entire universe" but aren't they just my personal favorite. So my question is this:
Today's Question
Are there objective ways to determine the quality of art, music, film, food etc?
I don't mean "objectively speaking, who is the best?" I mean are there measurements of what make music "good music" and what makes a movie "good film" and what makes a painter a "good painter". In other words "does Nickleback actually suck?"
