Andrew Kahn
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199234745
- eISBN:
- 9780191715747
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199234745.001.0001
- Subject:
- Literature, 19th-century Literature and Romanticism, Poetry
Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) is Russia's greatest poet, a ‘ founding father’ of modern Russian literature, and a major figure in world literature. His poetry and prose changed the course of Russian ...
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Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) is Russia's greatest poet, a ‘ founding father’ of modern Russian literature, and a major figure in world literature. His poetry and prose changed the course of Russian culture, and his works inspired operas by Musorgsky and Tchaikovsky (as well as Peter Shaffer's Amadeus). This book's title refers to Pushkin's capacity to transform philosophical and aesthetic ideas into poetry. Arguing that Pushkin's poetry has often been misunderstood as transparently simple, this book traces the interrelation between his writing and the influences of English and European literature and cultural movements on his understanding of the creative process and the aims of art. The book approaches Pushkin's poetic texts through the history of ideas, and argues that in his poetry the clashes that matter are not about stylistic innovation and genre, as has often been suggested. Instead, the poems are shown to articulate a range of positions on key topics of the period, including the meaning of originality, the imagination, the status of the poet, the role of commercial success, the definition of genius, representation of nature, the definition of the hero, and the immortality of the soul. The book addresses how theories of inspiration informed Pushkin's thinking about classicism and Romanticism in the 1820s and 1830s. It looks at the intersection of Pushkin's knowledge of important ideas and artistic trends with poems about the creative imagination, psychology, sex and the body, heroism and the ethical life, and death.Less
Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) is Russia's greatest poet, a ‘ founding father’ of modern Russian literature, and a major figure in world literature. His poetry and prose changed the course of Russian culture, and his works inspired operas by Musorgsky and Tchaikovsky (as well as Peter Shaffer's Amadeus). This book's title refers to Pushkin's capacity to transform philosophical and aesthetic ideas into poetry. Arguing that Pushkin's poetry has often been misunderstood as transparently simple, this book traces the interrelation between his writing and the influences of English and European literature and cultural movements on his understanding of the creative process and the aims of art. The book approaches Pushkin's poetic texts through the history of ideas, and argues that in his poetry the clashes that matter are not about stylistic innovation and genre, as has often been suggested. Instead, the poems are shown to articulate a range of positions on key topics of the period, including the meaning of originality, the imagination, the status of the poet, the role of commercial success, the definition of genius, representation of nature, the definition of the hero, and the immortality of the soul. The book addresses how theories of inspiration informed Pushkin's thinking about classicism and Romanticism in the 1820s and 1830s. It looks at the intersection of Pushkin's knowledge of important ideas and artistic trends with poems about the creative imagination, psychology, sex and the body, heroism and the ethical life, and death.
Emory Elliott
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195142822
- eISBN:
- 9780199850297
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195142822.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, American, 19th Century Literature
As Lawrence Thomson presents in his work entitled Melville's Quarrel with God, philosophical and religious ideas played no small part in Melville's writings as he expressed questions about God, good ...
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As Lawrence Thomson presents in his work entitled Melville's Quarrel with God, philosophical and religious ideas played no small part in Melville's writings as he expressed questions about God, good and evil, death, the afterlife, and other related topics in his literary works. Although Melville's works gave much emphasis to such issues, ideas regarding his personal faith, his belief in the existence of “God,” and other questions about his religious faith were unclear. Nathaniel Hawthorne, Melville's friend and fellow writer, attested that although Melville never stopped seeking answers to his questions, he had always believed that everything could reasonably be explained. Although Melville's interest in metaphysical issues persisted, this never undermined the fact that religion is still essential in determining certain principles, moral teachings, and fundamental value systems across several cultures.Less
As Lawrence Thomson presents in his work entitled Melville's Quarrel with God, philosophical and religious ideas played no small part in Melville's writings as he expressed questions about God, good and evil, death, the afterlife, and other related topics in his literary works. Although Melville's works gave much emphasis to such issues, ideas regarding his personal faith, his belief in the existence of “God,” and other questions about his religious faith were unclear. Nathaniel Hawthorne, Melville's friend and fellow writer, attested that although Melville never stopped seeking answers to his questions, he had always believed that everything could reasonably be explained. Although Melville's interest in metaphysical issues persisted, this never undermined the fact that religion is still essential in determining certain principles, moral teachings, and fundamental value systems across several cultures.
Daniel Brown
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198183532
- eISBN:
- 9780191674051
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198183532.003.0003
- Subject:
- Literature, Poetry, 19th-century and Victorian Literature
This chapter examines the philosophical ideas of English poet Gerald Manley Hopkins. Like the early British idealists who taught him, Hopkins treated the study of historical philosophies as an ...
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This chapter examines the philosophical ideas of English poet Gerald Manley Hopkins. Like the early British idealists who taught him, Hopkins treated the study of historical philosophies as an opportunity to address issues in contemporary thought and to define his own metaphysic. His Oxford undergraduate essays documented the way in which his early acquaintance with particular philosophical systems was interfused with the formation of his own system of philosophy. His works and ideas were influenced by his intellectual mentors Benjamin Jowett and T.H. Green.Less
This chapter examines the philosophical ideas of English poet Gerald Manley Hopkins. Like the early British idealists who taught him, Hopkins treated the study of historical philosophies as an opportunity to address issues in contemporary thought and to define his own metaphysic. His Oxford undergraduate essays documented the way in which his early acquaintance with particular philosophical systems was interfused with the formation of his own system of philosophy. His works and ideas were influenced by his intellectual mentors Benjamin Jowett and T.H. Green.
John Walbridge
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195137996
- eISBN:
- 9780199849055
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195137996.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter focuses not on Baqir al-Sadr as scholar of fiqh and usul al-fiqh, but on Baqir al-Sadr the philosopher. Khomeini was also a philosopher, yet Khomeini's influence in this domain has not ...
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This chapter focuses not on Baqir al-Sadr as scholar of fiqh and usul al-fiqh, but on Baqir al-Sadr the philosopher. Khomeini was also a philosopher, yet Khomeini's influence in this domain has not been felt. Rather, his legalistic and political ideas have survived him. The philosophical ideas of Baqir al-Sadr, on the other hand, have spread beyond the Shiʿism into Sunni communities throughout the world. Baqir al-Sadr engaged Western philosophical ideas, not to discredit them but to challenge them when he saw fit and to incorporate them into his own system when appropriate. Baqir al-Sadr's goals are ultimately religious. He wished to show that religious knowledge was not the antithesis of scientific knowledge, but that the two are actually in the same category, thereby addressing issues of paramount concern to Muslim intellectuals.Less
This chapter focuses not on Baqir al-Sadr as scholar of fiqh and usul al-fiqh, but on Baqir al-Sadr the philosopher. Khomeini was also a philosopher, yet Khomeini's influence in this domain has not been felt. Rather, his legalistic and political ideas have survived him. The philosophical ideas of Baqir al-Sadr, on the other hand, have spread beyond the Shiʿism into Sunni communities throughout the world. Baqir al-Sadr engaged Western philosophical ideas, not to discredit them but to challenge them when he saw fit and to incorporate them into his own system when appropriate. Baqir al-Sadr's goals are ultimately religious. He wished to show that religious knowledge was not the antithesis of scientific knowledge, but that the two are actually in the same category, thereby addressing issues of paramount concern to Muslim intellectuals.
Constantin V. Boundas
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748624799
- eISBN:
- 9780748652396
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748624799.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This book provides an exploration of the continuing philosophical relevance of Gilles Deleuze. This collection of chapters uses Deleuze to move between thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Husserl, ...
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This book provides an exploration of the continuing philosophical relevance of Gilles Deleuze. This collection of chapters uses Deleuze to move between thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Husserl, Hume, Locke, Kant, Foucault, Badiou and Agamben. As such the reader is left with a comprehensive understanding not just of the philosophy of Deleuze but how he can be situated within a much broader philosophical trajectory. The book includes recent scholarship on Deleuze's philosophy by an acclaimed line-up of international contributors, all of whom seek to provide new and previously unexplored theoretical terrains. Three of the chapters are by key French Deleuzians whose work is not widely available in translation.Less
This book provides an exploration of the continuing philosophical relevance of Gilles Deleuze. This collection of chapters uses Deleuze to move between thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Husserl, Hume, Locke, Kant, Foucault, Badiou and Agamben. As such the reader is left with a comprehensive understanding not just of the philosophy of Deleuze but how he can be situated within a much broader philosophical trajectory. The book includes recent scholarship on Deleuze's philosophy by an acclaimed line-up of international contributors, all of whom seek to provide new and previously unexplored theoretical terrains. Three of the chapters are by key French Deleuzians whose work is not widely available in translation.
Hui Wang
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520219236
- eISBN:
- 9780520924413
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520219236.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, Asian History
This chapter re-examines the political and philosophical ideas of Zhang Taiyan and addresses the question concerning the place of the individual in modern Chinese political thinking. It argues that ...
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This chapter re-examines the political and philosophical ideas of Zhang Taiyan and addresses the question concerning the place of the individual in modern Chinese political thinking. It argues that implicit in Zhang's rejection of the collectivity was a much broader rejection of the ontological assumptions and epistemological positions that naturalized the rise of nation-states as a universal historical process for all people. It shows that Zhang's individuated self was freed from the materially determined collectivity only to be subsumed in a broader stream of subjectivity.Less
This chapter re-examines the political and philosophical ideas of Zhang Taiyan and addresses the question concerning the place of the individual in modern Chinese political thinking. It argues that implicit in Zhang's rejection of the collectivity was a much broader rejection of the ontological assumptions and epistemological positions that naturalized the rise of nation-states as a universal historical process for all people. It shows that Zhang's individuated self was freed from the materially determined collectivity only to be subsumed in a broader stream of subjectivity.
Kelley Johnson, Jan Walmsley, and Marie Wolfe
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420695
- eISBN:
- 9781447302940
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420695.003.0011
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
This concluding chapter reviews the philosophical ideas that support people's relationships with each other as citizens. It presents the argument that there is a need to move beyond an inward-looking ...
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This concluding chapter reviews the philosophical ideas that support people's relationships with each other as citizens. It presents the argument that there is a need to move beyond an inward-looking approach towards disability in order to be ready to explore ideas and theories from outside the field. This would help in informing new ways of working and of viewing the nature of intellectual disability.Less
This concluding chapter reviews the philosophical ideas that support people's relationships with each other as citizens. It presents the argument that there is a need to move beyond an inward-looking approach towards disability in order to be ready to explore ideas and theories from outside the field. This would help in informing new ways of working and of viewing the nature of intellectual disability.
Martin Randall
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638529
- eISBN:
- 9780748651825
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638529.003.0008
- Subject:
- Literature, 20th-century and Contemporary Literature
This chapter analyses DeLillo's Falling Man, which is focused on a marriage. This novel also deals with the impulses of the characters towards helping others during a time of personal and national ...
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This chapter analyses DeLillo's Falling Man, which is focused on a marriage. This novel also deals with the impulses of the characters towards helping others during a time of personal and national crisis. The chapter shows how DeLillo uses one of the characters to voice out certain political and philosophical ideas, and describes the novel as sometimes essayistic.Less
This chapter analyses DeLillo's Falling Man, which is focused on a marriage. This novel also deals with the impulses of the characters towards helping others during a time of personal and national crisis. The chapter shows how DeLillo uses one of the characters to voice out certain political and philosophical ideas, and describes the novel as sometimes essayistic.
Harlan Wilson
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262028059
- eISBN:
- 9780262325264
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262028059.003.0009
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
Harlan Wilson’s essay on Edmund Burke brings out affinities and tensions between green and conservative thought. Burke’s aesthetics, especially his writings about gardens, favor a cooperative ...
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Harlan Wilson’s essay on Edmund Burke brings out affinities and tensions between green and conservative thought. Burke’s aesthetics, especially his writings about gardens, favor a cooperative relationship between nature and art. More significant, though, is Burke’s emphasis on complexity in both nature and society, which feeds into a focus on intergenerational obligation and caution about risks and innovation. Thus Burke anticipates many green values, such as an intergenerational time horizon, sustainability, stewardship, and the precautionary principle. On the other hand, Burke’s emphasis on prejudice and tradition might serve to uphold long-standing crude anthropocentric values that sanction the exploitation and unrestrained development of nature, and Burke’s defense of private property and his later writings extolling the free market as a source of inequality and lower-class deference also present obvious tensions with environmentalism. These tensions are not unlike those separating greens and conservatives today.Less
Harlan Wilson’s essay on Edmund Burke brings out affinities and tensions between green and conservative thought. Burke’s aesthetics, especially his writings about gardens, favor a cooperative relationship between nature and art. More significant, though, is Burke’s emphasis on complexity in both nature and society, which feeds into a focus on intergenerational obligation and caution about risks and innovation. Thus Burke anticipates many green values, such as an intergenerational time horizon, sustainability, stewardship, and the precautionary principle. On the other hand, Burke’s emphasis on prejudice and tradition might serve to uphold long-standing crude anthropocentric values that sanction the exploitation and unrestrained development of nature, and Burke’s defense of private property and his later writings extolling the free market as a source of inequality and lower-class deference also present obvious tensions with environmentalism. These tensions are not unlike those separating greens and conservatives today.
Richard Crockatt
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- October 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198785491
- eISBN:
- 9780191827402
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198785491.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, History of Ideas, Political History
Chapter 2 explores the sources of Einstein’s world view, with a focus on the complex relationships between his approaches to science and politics and between the private and public dimensions of his ...
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Chapter 2 explores the sources of Einstein’s world view, with a focus on the complex relationships between his approaches to science and politics and between the private and public dimensions of his life. There exists an ‘Einstein paradox’ that manifests itself in the form of two Einsteins: a compartmentalized and an integrated Einstein. The compartmentalized Einstein brought quite different intellectual tools to science and politics, illustrated in his debate with Freud on the subject of war. Yet Einstein also projected a strongly integrated personality. A comparable complexity is apparent in the relation between his public and private lives; he seemed, on the one hand, an intensely private man indifferent to either public adulation or criticism yet also adept at performing public roles. Einstein’s philosophical and religious ideas and his relations with close friends provide clues to the way he handled the private and public dimensions of his life.Less
Chapter 2 explores the sources of Einstein’s world view, with a focus on the complex relationships between his approaches to science and politics and between the private and public dimensions of his life. There exists an ‘Einstein paradox’ that manifests itself in the form of two Einsteins: a compartmentalized and an integrated Einstein. The compartmentalized Einstein brought quite different intellectual tools to science and politics, illustrated in his debate with Freud on the subject of war. Yet Einstein also projected a strongly integrated personality. A comparable complexity is apparent in the relation between his public and private lives; he seemed, on the one hand, an intensely private man indifferent to either public adulation or criticism yet also adept at performing public roles. Einstein’s philosophical and religious ideas and his relations with close friends provide clues to the way he handled the private and public dimensions of his life.
Yoriko Otomo
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198733812
- eISBN:
- 9780191817250
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198733812.003.0004
- Subject:
- Law, Public International Law, Philosophy of Law
This chapter looks at how post-war thinkers have thematized the role of technology in their determinations of what it means to be human in a globalizing world. Looking at Martin Heidegger’s ...
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This chapter looks at how post-war thinkers have thematized the role of technology in their determinations of what it means to be human in a globalizing world. Looking at Martin Heidegger’s discussion of these themes and Bernard Stiegler’s 1994 work on technology, it suggests that these thinkers provide an interesting set of stories about technology, human life, and the international domain. The chapter then discusses feminist critiques of the Western metaphysical cosmology. In particular, it looks at how the human body that is taken as the template for the modern body politic is coded as a masculine body. It is this gendered metaphysics of post-war philosophical ideas and political discourse that creates a deep structural problem that manifests as crisis in the two international law cases.Less
This chapter looks at how post-war thinkers have thematized the role of technology in their determinations of what it means to be human in a globalizing world. Looking at Martin Heidegger’s discussion of these themes and Bernard Stiegler’s 1994 work on technology, it suggests that these thinkers provide an interesting set of stories about technology, human life, and the international domain. The chapter then discusses feminist critiques of the Western metaphysical cosmology. In particular, it looks at how the human body that is taken as the template for the modern body politic is coded as a masculine body. It is this gendered metaphysics of post-war philosophical ideas and political discourse that creates a deep structural problem that manifests as crisis in the two international law cases.
