Critical Theory from Hellenism to Modernism: A Reading of the Epistemological Foundations

This study aims to investigate the foundations of critical theory from the Hellenic era to the age of modernity. The approach is based on the premise that criticism, like science, is a human endeavor built on cumulative efforts that go beyond mere taste. Rather, it is a complex body of scientific knowledge that utilizes thought, philosophy, ideology, art, and culture to analyze literary works and interpret their trends. We observe that traditional criticism is based on well-known foundations, the most important of which are taste, clarity, and order. In contrast, modern criticism is built on major principles such as unity, comprehensiveness, and interconnectedness.