"Any critic is entitled to wrong judgments, of course. But certain lapses of judgment indicate the radical failure of an entire sensibility"

Susan Sontag's quote touches on the nuanced and complex relationship in between criticism and personal perceptiveness. At its core, it acknowledges that the act of critiquing art, literature, or any imaginative undertaking is subjective and susceptible to mistake. Every critic approaches a work from their special point of view, formed by personal experiences, predispositions, and tastes. Thus, they are naturally "entitled to wrong judgments". This is an intrinsic and accepted danger in the world of criticism.

Nevertheless, Sontag introduces a more extensive concept by contrasting mere mistakes with "specific lapses of judgment" that recommend a "radical failure of an entire perceptiveness". Here, she suggests that while specific errors are permissible and anticipated, some errors are reflective of more profound insufficiencies within a critic's overall worldview or psychological intelligence. This idea recommends that particular errors are not just errors of interpretation or taste however show a more systemic flaw in the critic's ability to view, value, and engage with the subtleties of creative works.

The term "whole sensibility" is essential here, as it includes a critic's total intellectual and emotional framework. Perceptiveness refers to one's capability to receive and translate sensory experiences-- it's the amalgamation of one's visual level of sensitivity and intellectual acuity. An extreme failure within this world suggests that the critic is fundamentally unable to get in touch with or comprehend the work in ways that are significant and informative. This sort of failure might manifest in a constant failure to appreciate the depth, intricacy, or objective behind imaginative ventures.

Sontag challenges critics and audiences alike to cultivate a sensibility that is informed, understanding, and available to the multiplicity of meanings that art plans to convey. The quote highlights the obligation of critics not only to engage thoughtfully and deeply with art however also to be self-aware of their constraints and potential biases. In doing so, they can prevent lowering their lapses in judgment to merely personal mistake and instead work towards a more holistic and evolved important practice.