The topic of the study is literary criticism. The work shows how critical attitudes have taken root since the 17th century and how the uncertainty of those involved has increased as a result. One of the particular strategies used by authors and readers in reacting to this uncertainty is a certain form of attentiveness: the readiness to observe works exactly and extensively and to not allow oneself to be distracted by flaws in the process. At the same time, this attitude of attentiveness forms a characteristic of philology which arises from critical discourse.