Canon In the arts and humanities, a canon refers to a set of authoritative works, texts, or standards that are considered exemplary or foundational within a particular field, discipline, tradition, or cultural context. The canon may encompass literary classics, artistic masterpieces, philosophical treatises, musical compositions, religious scriptures, or other forms of cultural expression that have achieved enduring significance, influence, and recognition over time. The concept of the canon reflects evolving notions of cultural value, aesthetic merit, and historical relevance, shaped by factors such as cultural heritage, educational curricula, critical scholarship, and societal norms.
While the canon has traditionally reflected the perspectives and priorities of dominant social groups and cultural institutions, it has also been subject to criticism, revision, and diversification to include voices, perspectives, and narratives that have been marginalized, excluded, or underrepresented within mainstream discourse. As a dynamic and contested concept, the canon continues to evolve in response to changing attitudes, values, and interpretations within the broader landscape of cultural production and reception. |