An unusual and intensive study of the work of the intellectual progenitors of contemporary Western thought. A battery of insights into how to and how not to think, act, feel, eat, dress, dance, take tea, or fuck. Something like equal parts Gertrude Stein and Wittgenstein.
Exploring the intersection of psychoanalytic theory and epistemology, this work reveals a paradoxical logic inherent in conceptual thought that is self-canceling yet productive. It addresses fundamental issues such as the circularity of knowledge and ethical political dialogue, offering insights to resolve these problems. Drawing from Wittgenstein, Freud, and Lacan, it navigates both Anglo-American and Continental philosophy, engaging with theory construction, phenomenology, and deconstruction to illuminate the complexities of knowledge.
Exploring the concept of pluralism, the author argues that conflicting truths can coexist without diminishing each other's validity. Drawing on Plato's work, he suggests that apparent flaws in his theory of Ideas were intentionally showcased to highlight essential dimensions of truth. The book emphasizes the significance of nonargumentative elements in Plato's dialogues, such as myths and humor, as tools for examining rational discourse. By advocating for a coexistence of absolute and relative truths, it offers insights into resolving contemporary societal conflicts rooted in differing beliefs.
Exploring the nature of sense, this work addresses three interconnected philosophical challenges: the need for genuine pluralism to accommodate non-pluralistic views, the necessity for philosophy to transcend sense while examining it holistically, and the idea that engaging with profound life questions requires moments of suspending sense. Through this re-examination, the book seeks to deepen understanding of philosophical inquiry and its implications for pluralism and human experience.