Events Calendar

Values and Choices in Art Restoration

Wednesday, 26 February, 2025

A Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar 

In the restoration of art and artifacts there are three salient types of value to consider: relic, aesthetic, and practical. Relic value includes an object’s age, aura, originality, authenticity, and epistemic value. Aesthetic value is connected to how an object looks, sounds, or tastes. Practical value involves whether a thing can be used as designed - whether a book can be read, a building occupied, a car driven. I argue that while these are all legitimate values, it is impossible for a restorer to maximize them all. I conclude that restoration inexorably involves aesthetic choices; there is no supreme value to be maximized and we should be pluralists about the right balance of values. Restoration is like baking a cake; there are many wrong ways to do it, but there are many right ways as well.

Steven D. Hales, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. He has published 13 books, several dozen articles, and was recently Visiting Senior Professor at the University of Cambridge. He is also a professional-level hand bookbinder and restorer.

Location:  DeNaples Center, McIlhenny Ballroom, TDC 401A • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seminar Fees:

Free to University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Students, Staff, and Faculty. All seminars included for Schemel Forum Members, Angels, and Archangels.

$30 per luncheon per person • $15 remote only

Contact:

Rose Merritt

Phone: 5709414740
Website: Click to Visit

Categories:

The DeNaples Center

900 Mulberry Street
 Scranton, PA 18510