The Different Modes of Existence (Univocal) - Softcover

Souriau, Étienne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 193756150X ISBN 13: 9781937561505

Publisher: Univocal Publishing, 2015

Synopsis

What relation is there between the existence of a work of art and that of a living being? Between the existence of an atom and that of a value like solidarity? These questions become our own each time a reality—whether it is a piece of music, someone we love, or a fictional character—is established and begins to take on an importance in our lives. Like William James or Gilles Deleuze, Souriau methodically defends the thesis of an existential pluralism. There are indeed different manners of existing and even different degrees or intensities of existence: from pure phenomena to objectivized things, by way of the virtual and the “super-existent,” to which works of art and the intellect, and even morality, bear witness. Existence is polyphonic, and, as a result, the world is considerably enriched and enlarged. Beyond all that exists in the ordinary sense of the term, it is necessary to allow for all sorts of virtual and ephemeral states, transitional realms, and barely begun realities, still in the making, all of which constitute so many “inter-worlds.”

About this title

About the Author

Étienne Souriau was one of France’s most influential postwar thinkers. From Gilles Deleuze to Bruno Latour, Souriau’s philosophy of aesthetics has begun to be rediscovered by a variety of thinkers in contemporary discussions on art and life.

Edition details

• Publisher: Univocal Publishing
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 193756150X
• ISBN 13: 9781937561505
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 235