Melville's Philosophies

Melville's Philosophies challenges traditional critical assessments by listening to his philosophical arguments, revealing a materialistically oriented and ontologically minded thinker relevant to contemporary philosophical concerns.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 424 pages
\n Publication date: 27 December 2018
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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Melville's Philosophies stands apart from a longstanding tradition of critical assessments that dismissed his philosophical capacities as ingenious but confused. Instead of seeking to ascertain just how much of philosophy Melville knew or understood, the contributors to this book approach his work with the intention of listening to the philosophical arguments he never ceased articulating and reformulating. What emerges is a Melville who is profoundly materialistic in a radical sense, one who considers life forms not just within the confines of contemporary sciences but also ontologically.

Melville's Philosophies reclaims a Melville who is a thinker of remarkable caliber, a reversal that starkly contrasts with the way the critical tradition has characterized his ideas. Furthermore, through the collection of readings presented here, Melville emerges as a thinker who is highly relevant to contemporary philosophical concerns, including the materialist turn, climate change, and post-humanism.

In his philosophical writings, Melville explored a wide range of topics, including the nature of consciousness, the role of the individual in society, and the relationship between science and religion. He was deeply influenced by the works of Immanuel Kant, John Locke, and other Enlightenment thinkers, but he also drew upon a range of other sources, including the Bible, ancient Greek philosophy, and Native American spirituality.

One of the central themes of Melville's philosophy is the idea that the material world is the source of all knowledge and understanding. He believed that the physical world is not just a collection of objects and phenomena, but is a living, breathing entity that is constantly evolving and changing. In his novel Moby-Dick, for example, Melville depicts the ocean as a vast, mysterious, and powerful force that is capable of shaping the destiny of individuals and civilizations.

Melville also believed that the individual is an essential component of the natural world. He argued that the human mind is capable of transcending the limitations of the physical body and accessing a deeper level of consciousness and understanding. In his novel Billy Budd, for example, Melville explores the themes of innocence, corruption, and the nature of justice, using the story of a young sailor who is accused of murder to explore the moral and ethical implications of human behavior.

Another important theme in Melville's philosophy is the relationship between science and religion. He believed that both science and religion are valuable tools for understanding the world, but that they must be approached with a critical and open mind. In his novel The Confidence Men, for example, Melville depicts a group of scientists who are willing to manipulate public opinion and exploit scientific discoveries for their own personal gain.

Melville's philosophy is also deeply rooted in the idea of the heroic individual. He believed that individuals have the capacity to rise above their circumstances and make a positive impact on the world, but that they must be willing to confront the challenges and obstacles that life presents. In his novel Typee, for example, Melville depicts a group of castaways who are forced to survive in a remote island paradise, and who must learn to adapt to their new environment and overcome their own personal demons.

In conclusion, Melville's Philosophies offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the work of one of America's greatest writers. By recovering a Melville who is a thinker of great caliber, the book challenges the way

In conclusion, Melville's Philosophies offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the work of one of America's greatest writers. By reclaiming a Melville who is a thinker of remarkable caliber, the book challenges the traditional critical assessments that have dismissed his philosophical capacities as ingenious but confused. Through the collection of readings presented here, Melville emerges as a thinker who is highly relevant to contemporary philosophical concerns, including the materialist turn, climate change, and post-humanism. Melville's philosophical writings are characterized by their depth, complexity, and relevance, and they continue to inspire and challenge readers to this day.

\n Weight: 626g\n
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781501347504\n \n