Montaigne and the origins of modern philosophy / Ann Hartle.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hartle, Ann, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592. Essais.

Montaigne, Michel de.

Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592--Philosophy.

Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592--Political and social views.

Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592.

Philosophy in literature.

Political and social views.

Philosophy.

Physical Description:

xxi, 216 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Evanston, Illinois : Northwestern University Press, 2013.

Summary:

Ann Hartle's Montaigne and the Origins of Modem Philosophy argues that the essay, which Montaigne established as a literary form, is actually the perfect expression of the author as what he called "a new figure: an unpremeditated and accidental philosopher." Unpremeditated philosophy is philosophy made sociable-brought down from the heavens to the street, where it might be engaged in by a wider audience. In the same philosophical act, Montaigne both transforms philosophy and invents "society," a distinctly modern form of association. Through this transformation, a new, modern character emerges: the individual, who is neither master nor slave and who possesses the new virtues of integrity and generosity. In Montaigne's radically new philosophical project, Hartle finds intimations of both modern epistemology and modern political philosophy. Book jacket.

Contents:

Reversing Aristotle

Sticking to the old ways : Montaigne and sacred tradition

The philosophical act (I) : judgment

The philosophical act (II) : ending in experience

Overcoming natural mastery

The primacy of the private and the origins of a free society

The character of the free individual

Conclusion : the invisibility of philosophy and the light of the good.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 207-212) and index.

ISBN:

9780810129658

0810129655

9780810129320

0810129329

OCLC:

841892471