The whole issue is tricky. Many great scientists, writers, artists, etc have been scoundrels or worse.
Does the fact that Tolstoy was abusive to his wife make his writing less important or meaningful? Or the fact that Socrates had sex with minors make his philosophy less interesting? Or, to take a modern example, that Kevin Spacey sexually attacked people make him less of an actor?
If we eliminate all people who did atrocious things and their influences, we would lose much of great interest and value.
On the other hand, while society can profit from the works of the worst of us, I do think we should make sure the worst of us do not profit from society.
So, I would say it is fine to watch reruns of the Cosby Show or House of Cards, but only if the scoundrel involved no longer gets money from the endeavor. Let society enjoy the art, but do NOT let the harasser profit from it. So, for the Cosby Show and House of Cards, there may still be a real issue. But for Tolstoy, there is no longer one. Be aware that art does NOT follow life in this regard and that the author of a wonderful book or the actor that makes an incredible performance may well be someone that should not be tolerated by society any longer.
Does the fact that Tolstoy was abusive to his wife make his writing less important or meaningful? Or the fact that Socrates had sex with minors make his philosophy less interesting? Or, to take a modern example, that Kevin Spacey sexually attacked people make him less of an actor?
If we eliminate all people who did atrocious things and their influences, we would lose much of great interest and value.
On the other hand, while society can profit from the works of the worst of us, I do think we should make sure the worst of us do not profit from society.
So, I would say it is fine to watch reruns of the Cosby Show or House of Cards, but only if the scoundrel involved no longer gets money from the endeavor. Let society enjoy the art, but do NOT let the harasser profit from it. So, for the Cosby Show and House of Cards, there may still be a real issue. But for Tolstoy, there is no longer one. Be aware that art does NOT follow life in this regard and that the author of a wonderful book or the actor that makes an incredible performance may well be someone that should not be tolerated by society any longer.
