Literature, analytically speaking : explorations in the theory of interpretation, analytic aesthetics, and evolution / Peter Swirski.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Swirski, Peter, 1966-

Series:

Cognitive approaches to literature and culture series.

Cognitive approaches to literature and culture series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Literature--Philosophy.

Literature.

Literature--History and criticism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (221 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Austin : University of Texas Press, 2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In a new approach to interdisciplinary literary theory, Literature, Analytically Speaking integrates literary studies with analytic aesthetics, girded by neo-Darwinian evolution. Scrutinizing narrative fiction through a lens provided by analytic philosophy, revered literary theorist Peter Swirski puts new life into literary theory while fashioning a set of practical guidelines for critics in the interpretive trenches. Dismissing critical inquirers who deny intention its key role in the study of literary reception, Swirski extends the defense of intentionality to art and to human behavior in general. In the process, Swirski takes stock of the recent work in evolutionary theory, arguing that the analysis of narrative truth may be grounded in the neo-Darwinian paradigm which forms the empirical backbone behind his analytic approach. Literature, Analytically Speaking provides a series of precepts designed to capture the ways in which we do interpret (and ought to interpret) works of literature. Reflecting a resounding shift from the poststructuralist paradigm, Swirski's lively and colorful presentation, backed up by a dazzling variety of examples and case studies, reconceptualizes the aesthetics of literature and literary studies.

Contents:

Analytic aesthetics

Artwork

Work and text

Fiction and nonfiction

The nature of fiction

Fictional truth

Intention and interpretation

Aesthetics and evolution.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0-292-79277-8

OCLC:

610027097