John Rajchman’s essay “The Lightness of Theory”, at one point claims that “too long have we been content to live off theory that has already been made elsewhere by others.” This statement certainly seems to hold some truth. So often, it seems, that as a student you are inundated with facts, other people’s theories and findings, and expected to carry them around as your own. This is done for structure and convenience but it fails to address that there is typically more than one side to any story. Also, it seems that the objective nature of theories is addressed. By definition, a theory is simply a proposal of an idea, yet they are often accepted as concrete facts.
Rajchman goes on to declare that “we have become heavy with too much uncreative theory, and to move again we must disburden ourselves of its weight.” This does seem a lofty and idealist goal, but not very realistic. The complete abandon of theory would be almost impossible. We have built whole civilizations on other peoples theories—John Locke, Adam Smith, Carl Marx, Clement Greenburg,…etc. Other people’s theories are too ingrained in us as individuals. Also, they make are lives a little simpler, as individuals we do not have to constantly go around making are on theories. However, we must not always blindly put faith in these theories either. All-in-all, there must be a balance between questioning and acceptance.
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I agree with you on this. It seems that most students just "blindly" accept the theories that are presented to them, without question. Which taking some of the art theories as true is a bit ridiculous. You can absolutely drive yourself crazy believing half of the theories we learned just in one class. I also agree with you when you say, "All-in-all, there must be a balance between questioning and acceptance". It amazes me how even intelligent people will just gullibly believe a theory. Like you said theories are "often accepted as concrete facts", when they are anything but concrete.
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