What term is used to describe someone who is smug, ignorant, and indifferent or hostile to artistic and cultural values?

The term "philistine" effectively captures the essence of someone who exhibits smug indifference or outright hostility towards the arts and cultural values. This word has its roots in historical contexts, originally referring to the ancient people of Philistia in modern-day Gaza. However, in modern usage, it has evolved to describe individuals who lack appreciation for intellectual or artistic pursuits, often displaying an air of superiority while being dismissive of cultural richness.

In contrast, the other options represent distinctly different concepts. "Pilfering" pertains to stealing or petty theft, with no connection to cultural values. "Peremptory" describes an attitude of commanding and imperious behavior, not linked to cultural indifference. "Picaresque," on the other hand, refers to a genre of fiction that depicts the adventures of a roguish hero, often without moral integrity, and does not convey ignorance or hostility towards the arts. Thus, "philistine" stands as the appropriate term for the described individual, embodying the characteristics of smugness, ignorance, and indifference to cultural appreciation.