Lesser Existences: Etienne Souriau, an Aesthetics for the Virtual

Étienne Souriau's philosophical aesthetics emphasizes the importance of virtual beings, lesser existences that exist with a problematizing force and invite the establishment of an "art" to make them more real. Philosopher David Lapoujade explores this concept through discussions of modern art, showing how the philosopher as artist or artist as philosopher becomes an advocate for the right of certain realities to gain existence. Souriau's oeuvre is grounded in the instaurative practice of making everything a work in progress.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 144 pages
\n Publication date: 22 June 2021
\n Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
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In this comprehensive exploration of Étienne Souriau's philosophical aesthetics, philosopher David Lapoujade offers a clear and insightful introduction to many of the fundamental concepts that underpin his existential pluralism. Among the diverse array of modes of existence that populate a world, Souriau grants particular significance to virtual beings, the lesser existences. These existences, always taking the form of sketches or outlines, possess a remarkable quality: their perfection lies precisely in their incompleteness, as they infuse all reality with a sense of problematization. They exist with a force that challenges and invites the establishment of an "art" that would bring them to greater reality. However, for this to occur, another existence must first perceive them, be capable of hearing their appeals, and be willing to defend their right to exist.

Through engaging discussions of modern art, ranging from the dispossessed characters of Kafka and Beckett to the grids of Agnes Martin and the protographies of Oscar Muñoz, Lapoujade guides the reader into a intricate and complex philosophical realm. This world is teeming with modal existences, animated by a unique conception of creative processes, where the philosopher becomes an advocate, defending the right of certain realities to gain in existence. For Souriau, nothing is given in advance; everything is a work in progress: such is the instaurative practice that underpins his entire oeuvre.

In conclusion, this exegesis provides a valuable entry point into the philosophical world of Étienne Souriau, shedding light on his existential pluralism and his emphasis on the importance of virtual beings and the creative processes that give them existence. Through his discussions of modern art, Lapoujade invites the reader to explore the complexities of philosophical aesthetics and to consider the ways in which certain realities can be defended and brought to greater life.

\n Weight: 198g\n
Dimension: 126 x 202 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781517904654\n \n