Stephen Davies authorial claims in Weitz’s anti-essentialism: A critique - the paradox and creativity as the defining essence

Abstract

The strength of a literary work lies in the critical analysis and review of its authorial claims. These include thesis statement, inconsistencies, contributions  as well as overall effectiveness of the article. This paper sought to critique Stephen Davies‟ article on Weitz Anti-Essentialism (1991) which proposes  nonbelief in an essence and unanimous intrinsic quality on the definition of art. The objectives was to identify Davies authorial claims and paradoxical  position on creativity as a possible defining essence. Statements with implicit and explicit connotations were identified. Research grounds for acceptance  or rejection were established. The Socratic Method of investigation was adopted to stimulate critical thinking. Findings from the article under review and other corroborations reveal Davies position of openness with creativity as a plausible necessary principle and condition for definition of art. However, the  inconsistency lies in the writer‟s neutrality on what he describes as fundamental matters and complex web that does not require straightforwardness.  The review concluded on the need for forthright empirical claims rather than merely keying in to already controversial issues. It was recommended that  authorial claims should be written with greater clarity, consistency and conviction based on empirical research rather than an investigation devoid of  contribution to the existing body of knowledge.