“Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer: Summary and Critique

Introduction: “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer

“Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer first appeared in American Literary History, Vol. 2, No. 3 (Autumn 1990), published by Oxford University Press. This seminal essay explores the implications of perspectivism, the concept that facts, values, and truths are constructs shaped by differing human perspectives, within the realm of contemporary literary theory. Fischer examines critical works that argue for the ideological nature of discourse, highlighting both the political urgency and theoretical challenges posed by the acknowledgment that cultural and literary values are mutable and contingent. Key debates include the role of pluralism, the limits of persuasion, and the intersection of ideology with literary judgment. Fischer’s analysis underscores the transformative potential and inherent tensions within literary criticism that confronts institutionalized inequities while navigating its own ideological commitments. The essay remains pivotal in understanding how literary theory negotiates between deconstructive critiques and the pursuit of inclusivity and change.

Summary of “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer

• Constructed Reality:
  • Contemporary literary theory emphasizes that facts, values, and truths are not objective but constructed based on perspectives (Fischer, p. 528).
  • Critics agree on perspectivism but differ in interpreting its political and cultural implications.
• Ideological Nature of Discourse:
  • Language and value systems are shown to be ideologically influenced rather than neutral or objective (Fischer, p. 529).
  • Theoretical insights often motivate political actions to address societal inequities, such as gender and racial hierarchies (Kolodny, p. 529).
• Persuasion and Pluralism:
  • Critics like Ellen Rooney argue pluralism’s belief in universal persuasion oversimplifies the diversity and exclusivity of real communities (Fischer, p. 531).
  • Persuasion tends to work within communities already predisposed to shared values, undermining pluralist ideals of inclusivity (Fischer, p. 530).
• Critique of Pluralism:
  • Rooney criticizes pluralism for incorporating dissent into its framework without genuine transformation, reducing oppositional critiques to a systemic feature (Fischer, p. 532).
  • Pluralist systems often sustain rather than challenge academic and cultural power structures.
• Irony and Liberalism (Rorty’s View):
  • Richard Rorty proposes solidarity as constructed rather than based on essential human nature (Fischer, p. 533).
  • Ironist philosophy questions all absolutes but is deemed irrelevant to public life, focusing instead on individual autonomy (Fischer, p. 535).

Political and Academic Implications

• Canon and Value Judgments:
  • Barbara Herrnstein Smith emphasizes that aesthetic judgments are contingent on cultural, historical, and political factors (Fischer, p. 540).
  • The literary canon persists not due to universal merit but institutional reinforcement and societal interests (Fischer, p. 541).
• Challenges to Antifoundationalism:
  • Stanley Fish argues against the revolutionary potential of antifoundationalism, suggesting that academic practices self-regulate within existing institutional frameworks (Fischer, p. 544).
  • Fish highlights that changes in criticism stem from contextual shifts rather than abstract principles or theoretical interventions (Fischer, p. 545).
• Critique of Theory-Driven Activism:
  • Both Smith and Fish criticize the assumption that theoretical critiques inherently foster radical change (Fischer, p. 546).
  • The practicality of theory is questioned, with emphasis placed on historical and institutional contexts.

Limitations of Perspectivism

• Relativism vs. Action:
  • While perspectivism avoids the rigidity of objectivism, it does not inherently motivate political or social change (Fischer, p. 543).
  • Activists like Rooney struggle with balancing critique and tangible impact within an academic system that absorbs dissent (Fischer, p. 547).
• Irony’s Double-Edged Sword:
  • Rorty’s privatization of irony risks fostering detachment rather than solidarity, leading to potential ethical indifference (Fischer, p. 535).

Concluding Reflections

• Professional Self-Assurance:
  • Fisch and Smith’s minimalistic approach avoids overstating the transformative power of their arguments, reflecting confidence in their professional contexts (Fischer, p. 546).
  • However, this stance can alienate more politically engaged critics who view academic work as a platform for activism (Fischer, p. 547).

Theoretical Terms/Concepts in “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer

Term/Concept	Definition	Key Insights/Applications
Perspectivism	The view that facts, values, and truths are not objective or universal but shaped by specific perspectives and contexts.	Highlights the constructed nature of reality and challenges notions of objective truth (Fischer, p. 528).
Ideological Discourse	Language and value systems are inherently shaped by ideological influences rather than being neutral or objective.	Used to critique dominant cultural and academic norms, emphasizing the role of power and ideology (Fischer, p. 529).
Pluralism	The belief in inclusivity and the possibility of universal persuasion through dialogue and shared values.	Criticized for oversimplifying diversity and failing to acknowledge community exclusivity (Rooney, p. 530).
Irony	A philosophical stance that questions absolutes and emphasizes the contingency of all beliefs and values.	Promoted by Richard Rorty as a way to challenge traditional metaphysics while maintaining individual autonomy (Fischer, p. 535).
Solidarity	The idea that unity among individuals is constructed through shared experiences and sensitivities rather than inherent human nature.	Rorty emphasizes the role of literature in fostering solidarity through detailed descriptions of suffering (Fischer, p. 536).
Canon	The collection of literary works deemed valuable or essential by cultural and academic institutions.	Viewed as a contingent construct shaped by historical and institutional interests (Smith, p. 541).
Antifoundationalism	The rejection of foundational principles or absolute truths in favor of context-dependent and contingent reasoning.	Fish argues that it lacks revolutionary potential but provides a realistic framework for understanding institutional practices (p. 544).
Theoretical Activism	The use of theory to critique and subvert traditional structures, with the aim of fostering radical change.	Criticized for its limited practical impact and absorption into academic frameworks (Rooney, p. 546).
Value Contingency	The notion that aesthetic and moral values are shaped by social, political, and cultural factors rather than being universal.	Reinforces the argument that aesthetic judgments reflect specific historical contexts and interests (Smith, p. 540).
Liberal Ironism	A blend of liberalism and irony where personal autonomy is emphasized over collective solidarity.	Advocated by Rorty as a way to maintain individual creativity while navigating the collapse of metaphysical foundations (p. 535).

Contribution of “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer to Literary Theory/Theories

• Critique of Objectivism in Literary Studies
  The article challenges the notion of objective truths, emphasizing that values, facts, and reason are socially and ideologically constructed (Fischer, p. 528). This reinforces the postmodern critique of universalism in literary theory.
• Reevaluation of Canonical Texts
  By illustrating that canonical texts are products of historical, cultural, and ideological contexts, Fischer builds on Barbara Herrnstein Smith’s perspective that literary value is contingent and subject to change (Fischer, p. 540). This opens space for rethinking and diversifying the literary canon.
• Intersection of Politics and Literary Theory
  Fischer highlights the political implications of literary criticism, such as questioning traditional academic norms and engaging with feminist, multicultural, and activist approaches (Fischer, p. 529). This aligns literary theory with broader sociopolitical debates.
• Critique of Pluralism in Literary Discourse
  Ellen Rooney’s critique of pluralism, discussed in the article, exposes its inherent limitations, arguing that it masks exclusions and fails to accommodate genuine differences in critical communities (Fischer, p. 530).
• Exploration of Irony and Liberalism
  Fischer engages with Richard Rorty’s concept of liberal ironism, showing how irony can dismantle traditional metaphysical assumptions while fostering individual autonomy (Fischer, p. 535). This contributes to debates on the role of philosophy in literary theory.
• Literature as a Tool for Solidarity
  The article supports Rorty’s claim that literature, through its detailed exploration of suffering and difference, can cultivate empathy and solidarity without relying on metaphysical notions of universal humanity (Fischer, p. 536).
• Relevance of Perspectivism to Institutional Critique
  By examining how literary judgments and academic practices are influenced by institutional structures, Fischer underscores the role of perspectivism in critically evaluating the operation of academic systems (Fischer, p. 546).
• Advocacy for Historical and Contextual Approaches
  Both Fischer and the critics he engages argue for the importance of contextualizing literary practices within their historical and social frameworks, moving beyond abstract theoretical claims (Fischer, p. 544).
• Debunking Revolutionary Claims of Antifoundationalism
  Fischer examines Stanley Fish’s argument that antifoundationalist perspectives do not necessarily lead to radical change but instead highlight the embeddedness of criticism within institutional norms (Fischer, p. 544).
• Balance Between Theoretical Skepticism and Practical Engagement
  The article offers a nuanced position that combines the skepticism of traditional foundations with a pragmatic acknowledgment of literature’s role in fostering ethical and political engagement (Fischer, p. 537).

Examples of Critiques Through “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer

Literary Work	Critique Through Perspectivism	Key Theorists/Critical Lens Referenced	Page Reference
Paradise Lost (Milton)	Perspectives on Books 11-12 vary over time due to changing historical and institutional contexts, rather than “objective” merit.	Stanley Fish (Institutional and Antifoundationalist critique)	p. 546
Lolita (Nabokov)	Highlights how literature, through detailed descriptions of cruelty, redefines ethical perceptions without relying on metaphysical claims.	Richard Rorty (Liberal ironism and solidarity through literature)	p. 536
1984 (Orwell)	Orwell’s work reshapes perceptions of political cruelty by offering alternative descriptions, emphasizing literature’s power to create solidarity.	Richard Rorty (Ironist philosophy and contingent values)	p. 538
The Great Tradition	Critiques the canon as mutable constructs shaped by ideological and cultural aspirations, challenging the supposed universality of literary value.	Betty Jean Craige, Ellen Rooney (Ideological critique and canon reevaluation)	p. 529

Criticism Against “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer

• Overemphasis on Relativism
  Critics argue that Fischer’s focus on the contingency of values and knowledge can undermine meaningful critique and ethical grounding in literary theory. By rejecting universal principles, it risks promoting a form of quietism where no position can be strongly defended. (Referenced: p. 542)
• Practical Limitations of Antifoundationalism
  While Fischer aligns with theorists like Stanley Fish and Barbara Herrnstein Smith in rejecting objective values, some argue that this approach offers little practical guidance for achieving change in literature or society. It dismisses foundational claims but fails to propose alternative methodologies. (Referenced: p. 544)
• Inconsistencies in Engagement with Pluralism
  Fischer critiques pluralist approaches for their exclusionary practices yet simultaneously acknowledges their persistence and institutional power. This dual position has been critiqued for lacking a clear stance on how literary theory should move beyond pluralist contradictions. (Referenced: p. 531)
• Marginalization of Activist Perspectives
  Activists like Ellen Rooney seek to dismantle dominant ideological structures, but Fischer’s emphasis on institutional containment suggests that disruption often results in assimilation. This view can seem dismissive of radical efforts to transform literary and cultural hierarchies. (Referenced: p. 547)
• Ambiguity in Resolving “Theory Hope”
  The concept of “theory hope”—the expectation that theory will lead to transformative change—is critically analyzed but not resolved. Fischer appears skeptical of both radical transformation and institutional stability, leaving readers uncertain about the practical implications of his analysis. (Referenced: p. 543)
• Dependency on Established Authority
  By emphasizing the role of institutional structures and “marketplace judgment,” Fischer’s framework has been critiqued for reinforcing existing hierarchies rather than challenging them. This dependency could be seen as undermining his broader critiques of power and ideology. (Referenced: p. 546)
• Insufficient Engagement with Non-Western Perspectives
  While the text critiques traditional Western canons, it does not sufficiently incorporate non-Western theories or perspectives, limiting its claim to inclusivity and global applicability. (Referenced indirectly: p. 529)
• Overintellectualization of Solidarity
  Fischer’s alignment with Rorty’s emphasis on solidarity through literature is criticized for being overly intellectual and inaccessible to broader audiences, potentially alienating those outside academic literary circles. (Referenced: p. 535)

Representative Quotations from “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer with Explanation

Quotation	Explanation
“Facts, values, reason, and nature are constructs, not objective, unchanging realities.”	This encapsulates the perspectivist critique of foundationalist assumptions, emphasizing that all knowledge is shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors.
“The ideological nature of discourse encourages critics to question the seemingly objective.”	Highlights how perspectivism challenges claims of neutrality in academic and cultural discourse, making visible the biases within dominant ideologies.
“Solidarity with others is created rather than discovered.”	Suggests that human connections and empathy are socially constructed, opposing essentialist notions of universal humanity or fixed moral truths.
“Theory cannot repair divisions that are already entrenched in the field structure of literature.”	Fischer critiques the limits of literary theory, pointing out its inability to resolve the systemic issues it critiques within academic institutions.
“Pluralism’s strategy for recuperating its critics is to expand the community.”	Critiques pluralism as a self-preserving system that co-opts dissenting voices instead of allowing true radical opposition to thrive.
“Literature increases sensitivity to the particular details of pain and humiliation.”	Fischer underlines the role of literature as a tool for fostering empathy and challenging cruelty, without requiring metaphysical foundations for human values.
“Antipluralism concedes the irreducibility of a reading’s margins, ensuring its marginalization.”	Analyzes how opposition to pluralism often results in further exclusion within academic settings, reinforcing existing structures.
“We liberals have no plausible large-scale scenario for changing the world.”	Reflects on the limitations of liberal ideologies in effecting systemic change, especially in the face of entrenched global inequalities.
“The rule of law is a function of force, rhetoric, preference, and everything else foundationalists fear.”	Deconstructs the idealized concept of legal and ethical principles, arguing that they are outcomes of power dynamics rather than universal truths.
“Change cannot be engineered by theory; it occurs through ordinary, everyday efforts.”	A pragmatic observation on how change happens incrementally and contextually, rather than through abstract theoretical frameworks.

Suggested Readings: “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today” by Michael Fischer

1. Fischer, Michael. “Perspectivism and Literary Theory Today.” American Literary History, vol. 2, no. 3, 1990, pp. 528–49. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/489952. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
2. DE CASTRO, EDUARDO VIVEIROS. “Perspectivism.” Cannibal Metaphysics, edited by Peter Skafish, University of Minnesota Press, 2014, pp. 49–64. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5749/j.ctt17xr4vt.5. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
3. Hales, Steven D., and Robert C. Welshon. “Truth, Paradox, and Nietzschean Perspectivism.” History of Philosophy Quarterly, vol. 11, no. 1, 1994, pp. 101–19. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27744612. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
4. Reginster, Bernard. “The Paradox of Perspectivism.” Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, vol. 62, no. 1, 2001, pp. 217–33. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2653601. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.