Edith Landmann-Kalischer: Essays on Art, Aesthetics, and Value

This volume includes essential essays by Edith Landmann-Kalischer, a neglected thinker in early twentieth-century German philosophy. The first English translation of her writings, it demonstrates her philosophy's methodological unity across aesthetic, moral, and epistemic value. The essays explore questions about the reality of beauty, goodness, and truth, the experience of value, and the possibility of a science of value.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

This remarkable volume presents a comprehensive collection of essential essays by Edith Landmann-Kalischer, a significant yet overlooked figure in early twentieth-century German philosophy. As the inaugural English translation of her works, this volume marks a pivotal milestone in the ongoing endeavor to re-establish her philosophy's rightful prominence, particularly her methodologically coherent approach to aesthetic, moral, and epistemic value. The three essays included in this translation - "On the Cognitive Value of Aesthetic Judgments: A Comparison of Sensory Judgments and Value Judgments" (1905), "On Artistic Truth" (1906), and "Philosophy of Values" (1910) - showcase a philosophical mind adept at navigating the emerging disciplines of phenomenology and psychology during one of the most fertile periods of philosophy in the German-speaking world.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of this era and engaging with its foremost thinkers (such as Brentano and Husserl), Landmann-Kalischer crafts a distinctive and influential contribution to aesthetics, the philosophy of art, and value theory. Moreover, her essays transcend the confines of her own time, addressing issues that remain as pertinent and urgent for us today as they were during her era.

These essays delve into profound inquiries about the nature of beauty, goodness, and truth. Do they exist as objective realities or mere subjective perceptions? How do we perceive and experience these values? Does our encounter with value yield judgments that can be either true or false? Can these experiences lead to knowledge? Is the pursuit of a science of value feasible?

In her essays, Landmann-Kalischer presents meticulously argued and compelling responses to these questions. Through her insightful analysis, she sheds light on the complexities of aesthetic judgment, artistic truth, and the philosophical foundations of value. Her work offers a fresh perspective on these subjects, challenging conventional notions and prompting us to reevaluate our understanding of these fundamental aspects of human experience.

By presenting Edith Landmann-Kalischer's philosophy in English for the first time, this volume opens up a new avenue for scholars and enthusiasts alike to explore the rich tapestry of her thought. It serves as a testament to her intellectual prowess and the enduring relevance of her ideas, ensuring that her philosophy continues to resonate and inspire future generations.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197682050