Literature, Autonomy and Commitment

Aukje van Rooden argues that the debate between autonomists and anti-autonomists is fruitless due to a distorted historical picture. She proposes a new theoretical paradigm, 'the relational paradigm,' based on relational ontologies to understand the social relevance of contemporary literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

It is frequently asserted that a fresh incarnation of committed literature is required. Embracing the 18th-century Romantic notion of aesthetic autonomy, literature is believed to have turned its back on the everyday social and political realities. Consequently, one of the central issues in contemporary literary discussions revolves around whether literary autonomy is crucial to modern literature (known as 'autonomism') or should be abandoned (known as 'anti-autonomism'). Aukje van Rooden contends that the debate between autonomists and anti-autonomists cannot be anything but a fruitless tug-of-war, as it is founded on a distorted historical portrayal. To comprehend the social relevance of contemporary literature, a new theoretical framework must be formulated. Literature, Autonomy, and Commitment not only provides a historical-conceptual reconstruction of the Romantic paradigm and the theoretical impasse it has created but also outlines the framework of a new paradigm, termed 'the relational paradigm,' based on the relational ontologies developed in 20th- and 21st-century philosophy.

Introduction:
In recent years, there has been a growing debate within the literary community regarding the role of literary autonomy in modern literature. On the one hand, some argue that literary autonomy is essential to the creative process and should be upheld at all costs. On the other hand, others contend that literary autonomy is outdated and should be abandoned in favor of a more socially relevant approach. This essay will explore the arguments for and against literary autonomy and argue that a new form of committed literature is needed to address the challenges of our contemporary world.

The Romantic Ideal of Aesthetic Autonomy:
The Romantic ideal of aesthetic autonomy holds that literature should be free from the constraints of social and political reality. According to this view, literature should be able to express the unique experiences and perspectives of individual authors without being bound by the demands of society or the state. This ideal was particularly prevalent in the 18th century, when Romanticism emerged as a movement that celebrated the individual and the power of the imagination.

The Critique of Aesthetic Autonomy:
However, many critics argue that aesthetic autonomy is not only outdated but also harmful to modern literature. One of the main criticisms is that literature that is solely focused on aesthetic autonomy can be disconnected from the real world and its social and political issues. This can lead to a narrow understanding of the world and a lack of empathy for others. Moreover, aesthetic autonomy can also be used to justify oppressive or unethical practices, such as the exclusion of marginalized voices or the promotion of harmful ideologies.

The Need for a New Form of Committed Literature:
In response to these criticisms, some argue that a new form of committed literature is needed to address the social and political challenges of our contemporary world. Committed literature is defined as literature that is explicitly focused on social and political issues and that seeks to engage with and address these issues in a meaningful way. This type of literature can be used to promote social change, raise awareness of important issues, and challenge dominant narratives.

The Relational Paradigm:
One proposed framework for a new form of committed literature is the relational paradigm. This paradigm is based on the idea that everything in the world is interconnected and that relationships are the foundation of all human experience. According to this paradigm, literature should be seen as a tool for building relationships and creating connections between different people and communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the debate over the role of literary autonomy in modern literature is complex and multifaceted. While some argue that aesthetic autonomy is essential to the creative process, others contend that it is outdated and harmful to modern literature. A new form of committed literature is needed to address the social and political challenges of our contemporary world, and the relational paradigm provides a promising framework for this type of literature. By focusing on relationships and creating connections, committed literature can help to promote social change, raise awareness of important issues, and challenge dominant narratives.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501373800