Literature, analytically speaking : explorations in the theory of interpretation, analytic aesthetics, and evolution

Author(s)

    • Swirski, Peter

Bibliographic Information

Literature, analytically speaking : explorations in the theory of interpretation, analytic aesthetics, and evolution

Peter Swirski

(Cognitive approaches to literature and culture series)

University of Texas Press, c2010

1st ed

Available at  / 1 libraries

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Note

Bibliography: p. [189]-205

Includes index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

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.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Analytic Aesthetics Chapter 2: Artwork Chapter 3: Work and Text Chapter 4: Fiction and Nonfiction Chapter 5: The Nature of Fiction Chapter 6: Fictional Truth Chapter 7: Intention and Interpretation Chapter 8: Aesthetics and Evolution Notes Works Cited Index

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Details

  • NCID
    BB06845858
  • ISBN
    • 9780292728875
  • LCCN
    2009024365
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Austin
  • Pages/Volumes
    212 p.
  • Size
    23 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
  • Parent Bibliography ID
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