Critics and artists (including performing artists) claim the title of 'interpreter' for themselves. Scientists do not so readily describe themselves in this way. But is the formulation of explanatory hypotheses in science so different from the interpretive work of artists? Making Sense recognizes that whenever interpretation occurs there may be a plurality of competing successful interpretations. It offers a philosophical theory that views the interpretive enterprise as an attempt to make sense of things by representing them in ways that can be accommodated within various significance-systems.

About the Author
Paul Thom is dean of arts at Australian National University.

Reviews
Thom's framework is important and along the right lines. Anyone interested in interpretation should give careful consideration to these views. * British Journal of Aesthetics *
This is a very lucid and precise text, which is richly textured with illuminating and intriguing discussions of examples from painting, theatre, music, opera and the sciences. I would recommend it as a text for undergraduate courses on Interpretation -and I would have all teachers read chapter 3!> -- Jennifer A. McMahon * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *
This book is suitable for those with an interest in the performing arts and are looking for a general theory that provides a conceptual framework by which to assess different performative interpretations of a piece of work. * Philosophy in Review *
This is a very lucid and precise text, which is richly textured with illuminating and intriguing discussions of examples from painting, theatre, music, opera and the sciences. I would recommend it as a text for undergraduate courses on Interpretation -and I would have all teachers read chapter 3! -- Jennifer A. McMahon * Australasian Journal of Philosophy *



Book Information
ISBN 9780847697830
Author Paul Thom
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 254g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 146mm * 12mm