Debunking taste.

The article examines aesthetic debunking arguments, which seek to undermine the legitimacy of individuals' tastes by explaining them as products of social, historical, or class-based influences rather than genuine aesthetic value. It focuses on two opposing Marxist-inspired debunking positions: the Art Populist, who accuses aesthetic experts of elitist gatekeeping, and the Art Expert, who critiques populist tastes as simplistic products of capitalist mass culture. The author explores how these arguments challenge claims of aesthetic expertise and authenticity but often fail to fully dislodge sincere, felt aesthetic experiences, leading to what is termed "phenomenal resistance." Rather than resulting in aesthetic nihilism, the article proposes an "aesthetic expansionism" approach, where debunking critiques are used not to reject existing tastes but to question their narrow boundaries and encourage openness to a broader range of aesthetic experiences. This synthesis acknowledges the socio-historical shaping of all tastes while promoting a more inclusive and reflective aesthetic engagement.