Author, Reader, or Text? (aka Canonicity Slapdown 2005)

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Originally Posted by the phantom

As a reader, I would love to say that the reader holds the meaning because I would like to be able to order things my way. However, I am not inclined to extend this courtesy to my fellow readers, because everyone else doesn't always agree with me, and when that happens, if the meaning is truly determined by the reader, then their opinion is just as correct and valid as mine no matter who they are or what they think. I cannot accept that, because I believe that every opinion is not equally valid or correct.

And now I ask, why would such an opinion be wrong?

Reminded me of the Rorschach psychological evaluation using inkblots that I...ahhh...read about. Just because others don't see Alan Lee and John Howe sketchings in the images doesn't mean that I'm wrong or nuts, it's the sorry fact that they're not 'Downers.

"It's a Balrog...with wings..."