Reading by the Light of a Burning Phoenix: A Kantian Interpretation of Hesse - Couverture souple

McCauley, Patrick J.

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 3845402687 ISBN 13 : 9783845402680

Editeur : LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

This is a new interpretation of Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf. This interpretation is grounded on Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy and is centered on a discussion and analysis of an inescapable paradox that is fundamental to the human condition. I argue that our rational capacity exposes us to an unconditional and insuperable moral demand. However, we can only ever respond to this autonomous command with a finite material capacity. It is our fate, therefore, to impose conditions on our own unconditional imperative, that is, to exist as a self-evident contradiction. Since it is possible to escape neither the conditioned nor the unconditioned pole, we must eventually despair of the possibility of moral sufficiency. I argue that Steppenwolf is an aesthetic articulation of and response to this radical and tragic structural disparity. I also argue that Steppenwolf offers an intimation of deliverance, but only in the form of willing and anonymous self-sacrifice in the name of the impossible ideal. I conclude with an articulation of a fundamental three-stage moral development that is made possible by empowering aesthetic symbols described by both Kant and Hesse.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
• Date d'édition: 2011
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 3845402687
• ISBN 13: 9783845402680
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 360
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
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