Description
Book SynopsisOn Art and Selfhood lies at the intersection of existentialism and the philosophy of art. On the philosophy of art side, it addresses questions about why art matters and how we ought to appreciate it. On the existentialism side, it attends to questions pertaining to authenticity or authentic selfhood. That is to say, it focuses on issues and problems having to do with our personal identity or our sense of who we are. The goal of the book is to bring together these two topics in a productive manner by showing that works of art matter partly because they can help us with the project of selfhood. In other words, works of art are important in part because they can offer us much needed guidance and support as we try to figure out who we really are. To make the case for this thesis, On Art and Selfhood draws on the works of the Danish thinker, Søren Kierkegaard (1813-55). It mines his writings for insights regarding aesthetics and personal identity, and then uses these insights to contribute
Trade ReviewAntony Aumann’s Art and Selfhood strikes a remarkable balance between philosophical ambition and communicative clarity. Seeking nothing less than an account of how it is possible for art to be an integral part of our self-understanding and self-constitution, Aumann draws on his deep knowledge of Kierkegaard and his intellectual context, contemporary philosophy, and art from the Renaissance to our own time, to argue with remarkable lucidity and humane wisdom. Unafraid both to walk with Kierkegaard and to challenge him, Art and Selfhood cement’s Aumann’s place as a leading voice of Kierkegaardian thought. -- Patrick Stokes, Deakin University
This excellent book not only advances our understanding of art and selfhood as viewed from an existential standpoint: it also offers an appreciative and insightful reading of both the 'how' and the 'what' of Kierkegaard's literary artistry. -- Rick Anthony Furtak, Colorado College
This is a wonderfully clear and carefully argued book in which Aumann draws creatively on Kierkegaard's work to show the relevance of art to the development of authentic selfhood. -- Anthony Rudd, St. Olaf
This innovative, clearly argued work shows that an interpersonal conception of authentic self-definition can be defended on Kierkegaardian grounds -- including the edifying potential of artworks and obligations on artists to care about the wellbeing of their audiences. Aumann brings Kierkegaardian themes to life without relying solely on a religious framework. -- John Davenport, Professor of Philosophy, Fordham Univeristy
Table of ContentsIllustrations Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction Part I. On Selfhood Chapter 1. The Inner Sense Model: Finding Ourselves Within Chapter 2. The Constitution Model: The Self as Artistic Creation Chapter 3. Kierkegaard’s Religious Model: Receiving Ourselves from God Chapter 4. The Dialogical Model: A Secular Alternative Part II. On Art Chapter 5. The Value of Art: An Indirect Method of Communication Chapter 6. The Nature of Art Appreciation: Overcoming the Tradition of Disinterest Chapter 7. Rules for Art Creation: Two Moral Considerations Chapter 8. Art, Selfhood, and the Role of Academic Philosophy Bibliography About the Author
