Humanistic Judgment

“This is a feast in the form of a book. Representing several generations of distinguished teacher-scholars, the authors vary in taste but share a common motive and spirit: restoring respect for the human complexity that is the source and subject of all enduring art and thought.”—Andrew Delbanco, Columbia University

“These far-ranging essays resist the now decades-long trend by humanists to allegorize their objects of study. Refusing ready characterizations of ‘representativeness,’ the authors reveal how works of art, literature, and philosophy can leap from the acknowledged circumstances of their origins to become ever-transforming resources of inspiration, trouble, solace, and even happiness.”—Susan Stewart, author of The Ruins Lesson: Meaning and Material in Western Culture

“Humanistic Judgment aims to re-center how the humanities are approached and taught. The collection models how professors can shape their discussions of specific works in ways that focus on the work at hand while touching on broader issues. The book will be of great interest to teachers and administrators looking to revitalize the humanities, a dynamic that’s necessary to the health of our education system and our country.”—Ernest Suarez, executive director, Association of Literary Scholars, Critics, and Writers