本文译自P·亨纳德编《什么叫批评》(印第安那大学1981年版)。M·李瑟林,美国当代文艺批评理论家。在李瑟林看来,所谓“批评”,实际就是“谈论”,批评沒有绝对标准,“公众意见的一致”构成批评真理的客观性;批评的任务是根据时尚的实际,为社会提供艺术氛围,以影响艺术进一步发展。本文对了解西方艺术批评思想有一定的参考价值。 This article is translated from P. Hennard eds. What is Criticism (Indiana University, 1981). M Lee Selling, the American contemporary literary criticism theorist. In Lee Selenge’s opinion, the so-called “criticism” is actually “talking about” criticism. There is no absolute standard of criticism. “Consistency of public opinion” constitutes the objectivity of criticizing the truth. The task of criticism is to provide the community with an artistic atmosphere according to the reality of fashion , To affect the further development of art. This article has certain reference value for understanding western art criticism thought.