Jane Austen and Other Minds: Ordinary Language Philosophy in Literary Fiction

Jane Austen's fiction is a philosophical investigation, as demonstrated by Eric Reid Lindstrom in his book "Jane Austen and Other Minds." He argues that Austen's fiction offers a linguistic phenomenology that is available to the novelistic everyday but not afforded her in intellectual history. This book advances recognition and understanding of J. L. Austin, Stanley Cavell, and ordinary language philosophy within Austen scholarship and contemporary literary studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Jane Austen's fiction transcends its literary realm and becomes a philosophical pursuit, as attested by Stanley Cavell's tribute to her and her work. In her book "Jane Austen and Other Minds," author Eric Reid Lindstrom showcases Austen's fiction as a profound philosophical inquiry, standing on its own merits and serving as a valuable resource for ordinary language philosophy in the 20th and 21st centuries. Lindstrom addresses a longstanding gap in Austen scholarship by uncovering a linguistic phenomenology within her novels that is accessible to the everyday realm of storytelling but was overlooked in intellectual history. Through his exploration, Lindstrom not only enhances the recognition and understanding of J. L. Austin and Stanley Cavell but also contributes to the broader field of contemporary literary studies. This book makes a compelling case for Cavell's decision to engage with Austen, challenging the conventional perception of her as limited by restriction and confinement.

Austen's fiction offers a unique lens through which to explore philosophical concepts and ideas. By examining the language and characters in her novels, scholars can gain insights into the nature of human experience, morality, and the complexities of social relationships. Austen's portrayal of women, in particular, has been a subject of intense study, as she challenges traditional gender roles and explores the power dynamics between men and women.

One of the key themes in Austen's fiction is the importance of communication and the ways in which misunderstandings and miscommunications can lead to tragic consequences. Her characters often struggle with the art of expressing themselves effectively, and their failures to communicate often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that could have been avoided. This theme reflects the broader philosophical question of how language shapes our understanding of the world and how we communicate with others.

Another important aspect of Austen's fiction is her exploration of the role of imagination and creativity in shaping our lives. Her characters are often imaginative and creative, and their ability to imagine new possibilities and envision different outcomes helps them navigate the challenges of their lives. This theme reflects the broader philosophical question of the relationship between imagination and reason and the role that each plays in shaping our understanding of the world.

In addition to these philosophical themes, Austen's fiction also offers insights into the nature of love and relationships. Her characters are often complex and nuanced, and their relationships are often fraught with tension and conflict. Austen's portrayal of love and marriage highlights the importance of understanding and respecting each other's differences, as well as the importance of compromise and sacrifice in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Overall, Jane Austen's fiction is a rich source of philosophical inquiry and exploration. By examining the language and characters in her novels, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience, morality, and the complexities of social relationships. Austen's portrayal of women, communication, imagination, love, and relationships offers valuable insights into the broader philosophical questions of language, reason, and the nature of human experience.

ISBN-13: 9781009206990