Empirical studies in literature: Introductory remarks

Abstract In the introductory notes some recent criticisms on empirical studies in literature are discussed. The main concern of this discussion is to refute plausibly such criticisms by clarifying wrong presuppositions of these arguments. Above all, it is argued against the suspicion that empirical studies in literature are positivistic, neglect the individual, are anti-historical, neglect normative problems, and fail to achieve the main task of literary scholars, viz. interpretation of literary texts. It is argued in favour of an empirical theory of LITERATURE, i.e. a complex social system of activities primarily focussing literary texts, in order to display insights into LITERATURE which may be used to recognise and to solve problems in this social system. Finally, the contributions to this issue are consulted with regard to the suggestions they can provide for the future discussion of empirical studies in literature.