Philosophy and the Art of Writing

This book explores the relationship between philosophy and literature, examining how philosophy uses literary means to advance its practice and incorporate literature into a vision of philosophy as something lived rather than merely written. It highlights authors who straddle the literature/philosophical divide, such as Augustine, Montaigne, Wordsworth, Kierkegaard, T.S. Eliot, Georges Bataille, Maurice Blanchot, and Bertrand Russell.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Philosophy and literature share a deep and intricate relationship, with this book delving into the ways in which philosophy employs literary means to advance its practice, particularly as a way of life that extends beyond the confines of literary forms and words into physical deeds, nonlinguistic expression, and subjective moods and feelings.

Through a comprehensive exploration of thinkers ranging from Socrates and Confucius to Foucault and Simone de Beauvoir, Richard Shusterman examines the potential roles that literature could play in shaping a vision of philosophy as an inherently lived experience rather than merely a written one. To achieve this, Shusterman pays particular attention to authors who straddle the boundaries between literature and philosophy, such as Augustine and Montaigne, Wordsworth and Kierkegaard, T.S. Eliot, Georges Bataille, Maurice Blanchot, and Bertrand Russell.

In the final chapter, the book delves into the Chinese art of writing, which combines poetry, calligraphy, and painting, offering a unique perspective on the interplay between philosophy and artistic expression.

Philosophy and the Art of Writing appeals to students and researchers in literary theory and philosophy, as well as those who are interested in expanding their understanding of philosophy beyond the traditional academic realm. It provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the connections between these two fields, challenging readers to think critically and creatively about the ways in which literature and philosophy can intersect and enrich our understanding of the world.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367354909