تنقید کے مفہوم کی روشنی میں تنقیدی روایت کا تحقیقی مطالعہ

The Analytical Study of Critical Tradition in the Light of the Concept of Criticism

Abstract

Criticism, as a vital intellectual faculty, plays a decisive role in the advancement of human life, knowledge, and civilization. Without the power of observation, analysis, and sound judgment, human society would fall into stagnation, unable to differentiate between truth and falsehood or progress and regression. This article provides an analytical study of the concept of criticism, tracing both its linguistic meanings and its applied significance in intellectual and literary traditions. The literal meaning of “criticism” in Urdu and English—such as examination, evaluation, discernment, and judgment—indicates that genuine criticism is not mere fault-finding but an impartial process of assessment. True criticism identifies both strengths and weaknesses, aiming to refine thought, improve creativity, and foster intellectual growth. By highlighting the perspectives of classical and modern critics, this article demonstrates how critical insight has historically functioned as a guiding light, enabling societies to evolve intellectually and morally. Furthermore, the study argues that criticism, when properly understood, is not destructive but constructive, designed to preserve values, establish standards, and enhance the quality of human expression, especially in literature and art. It also emphasizes that criticism requires keen observation and unbiased reasoning to be effective in distinguishing the genuine from the superficial. In conclusion, criticism emerges as a fundamental intellectual necessity, ensuring that human thought, culture, and creativity do not remain static but continue to progress toward excellence and refinement.