The Entanglement: How Art and Philosophy Make Us What We Are

The Entanglement by philosopher Alva Noë explores the inseparability of life, art, and philosophy, arguing that art is the truest way of understanding ourselves and that human nature is an aesthetic phenomenon. He challenges the notion that art is a cultural curiosity and that philosophy has been outmoded by science, offering a new way of thinking about human nature, the limits of natural science, and the essential role of art and philosophy in trying to know ourselves.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In his profound exploration of the interconnectedness of life, art, and philosophy, philosopher Alva Noë delves into the profound implications of this entangled reality for understanding human nature. Noë argues that life itself serves as the source of inspiration for art, while art, in turn, reshapes life by offering us new perspectives and resources for living. The aesthetic permeates every aspect of our existence, making human nature itself an aesthetic phenomenon.

However, art is not just a cultural indulgence; it is the most direct and authentic means of engaging with the aesthetic. Through art, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. This suggests that human nature cannot be reduced to a mere natural phenomenon, as biology, cognitive science, and AI alone cannot fully capture the complexity and depth of our existence.

Moreover, art and philosophy offer us a means to break free from the constraints of convention, habit, technology, culture, and even biology. By challenging the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable, art and philosophy enable us to explore new ways of thinking and being. They provide us with tools to question our assumptions and challenge the status quo.

In The Entanglement, Noë presents a range of examples of entanglement, from the intricate relationships between artworks and the act of seeing to the connections between writing, speech, choreography, and dancing. He examines scientific efforts to explain the human, challenging the notion that art is merely a cultural curiosity and philosophy has been superseded by science. Instead, Noë offers a fresh perspective on human nature, the limitations of natural science in understanding the human, and the crucial role of art and philosophy in our quest to know ourselves.

Through his thought-provoking and compelling arguments, Noë invites us to reevaluate our understanding of human nature and the role of art and philosophy in shaping our lives. He encourages us to embrace the entanglement of life, art, and philosophy and to explore the possibilities of a new way of thinking about ourselves and our place in the world. The Entanglement is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, art, and the human experience.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691188812