What is a canon in a particular field of study?

A canon in a particular field of study refers to a body of established rules and principles that are widely recognized and accepted within that discipline. This term often denotes the foundational texts, concepts, and frameworks that scholars and practitioners regard as authoritative. In literature, for instance, the canon consists of classic works that are essential for understanding the history and development of the genre. Similarly, in other fields, the canon can encompass critical theories, landmark studies, or accepted methodologies that govern how that field is understood and practiced.

The other options, while they touch on relevant ideas, do not capture the essence of what a canon represents. A modern innovation reflects something new rather than the established norms of a field. An artist's personal style is specific to individual expression, which can vary greatly and is not necessarily a widespread standard. A new theory in development suggests a state of flux or change, rather than the settled and recognized corpus that a canon embodies. Thus, the identification of the canon as a body of established rules and principles is the most accurate understanding in this context.