Fiction, Philosophy and the Ideal of Conversation

Fiction, Philosophy, and the Ideal of Conversation is a book that develops a literary-philosophical account of conversation that reframes core concerns in contemporary ethics, democratic politics, and literary criticism. It combines new analyses of canonical works of British fiction with rigorous scholarship in ordinary language philosophy, aesthetic theory, ethics, and political philosophy. The book lays groundwork for future work at the intersection of literary studies, political philosophy, and ordinary language philosophy, and departs from period-bound and historicist approaches typical of literary studies. It argues that conversation is key to exemplary responses to sceptical doubt in ordinary language and political philosophy and in works of British fiction spanning from Jane Austen through Ali Smith. The book proposes and models conversational criticism as a framework linking literary studies to broader political and ethical commitments, while remaining responsive to aesthetic form.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Fiction, Philosophy, and the Ideal of Conversation is a groundbreaking work that delves into the intricate relationship between literature, philosophy, and the concept of conversation. By combining new analyses of canonical works of British fiction with rigorous scholarship in ordinary language philosophy, aesthetic theory, ethics, and political philosophy, the book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on core concerns in contemporary ethics, democratic politics, and literary criticism.

At the heart of this literary-philosophical exploration lies the notion of conversation, which is regarded as a symbol and practice that holds immense significance in modern thought. The book argues that conversation is a vital tool for responding to sceptical doubt, particularly in the realms of ordinary language and political philosophy. Skepticism poses a threat to ethics and democratic politics, as it questions our ability to know reality and other people. However, Fiction, Philosophy, and the Ideal of Conversation demonstrates that conversation can be a powerful means of overcoming this scepticism and fostering exemplary responses.

Through its conversational style, the book interweaves readings of fiction and philosophy, drawing inspiration from Stanley Cavell's philosophy of conversation. By adopting a conversational approach, the book aims to clarify the lofty yet vague ideal of conversation, making it more accessible and relevant to contemporary readers. It provides a revitalizing model for interdisciplinary literary studies, integrating literary criticism and philosophy on the model of conversation.

In the book, the authors argue that conversation is key to exemplary responses to sceptical doubt in ordinary language and political philosophy. They demonstrate how conversation can shift attention from metaphysical doubts regarding our capacity to know reality and other people to ethical, democratic, and aesthetic action. By exploring the works of British fiction spanning from Jane Austen to Ali Smith, the book showcases how writers have used conversation to explore themes of morality, justice, and the human condition.

One of the key insights of the book is that conversation can serve as a means of bridging the gap between different disciplines and perspectives. By combining the insights of literature and philosophy, the book offers a holistic understanding of complex issues and encourages interdisciplinary scholarship. It demonstrates that the study of literature can provide valuable insights into philosophical questions, while philosophy can enrich our understanding of literary works.

Furthermore, Fiction, Philosophy, and the Ideal of Conversation lays the groundwork for future work at the intersection of literary studies, political philosophy, and ordinary language philosophy. The book shows that this manner of reading makes the philosophical resources of canonical works of British fiction newly legible and accessible. It encourages scholars to explore the philosophical dimensions of literature and to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue that transcends historical and disciplinary boundaries.

In conclusion, Fiction, Philosophy, and the Ideal of Conversation is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the relationship between literature, philosophy, and the concept of conversation. By combining rigorous scholarship with a conversational style, the book provides a revitalizing model for interdisciplinary literary studies and encourages scholars to explore the philosophical dimensions of literature. It lays the groundwork for future work at the intersection of literary studies, political philosophy, and ordinary language philosophy, demonstrating the potential for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, philosophy, and contemporary social and political issues.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399520218