Impossible Objects

Resumen del libro

Impossible objects are those about which the philosopher, narrowly conceived, can hardly speak: poetry, film, music, humor. Such "objects" do not rely on philosophy for interpretation and understanding; they are already independent practices and sites of sensuous meaning production. As Elvis Costello has said, "writing about music is like dancing about architecture." We don't need literary theory in order to be riveted by the poem, nor a critic's analysis to enjoy a film.

How then can philosophy speak about anything outside of itself, namely all of those things which actually matter to us in this world?
In "Impossible Objects," Simon Critchley - one of the most influential and insightful philosophers writing today - extends his philosophical investigation into non-philosophical territories, including discussions on tragedy, poetry, humor, and music. In a series of engaging and enlightening conversations, Critchley reflects on his early work on the ethics of deconstruction; the recurring themes of mortality and nihilism; his defense of neo-anarchism; and his recent investigation into secular faith, or "a faith of the faithless." Essential reading for artists, academics, and general readers alike, this book explores the relationship between the philosophical world and those complex and fascinating "impossible objects" which give life meaning.

Biografía del autor

CARL CEDERSTR M es profesor en la Universidad de Estocolmo (Stockholm Business School), coautor de The Wellness Syndrome y un reconocido investigador sociológico, crítico con las actuales doctrinas de la felicidad y la psicología positiva, cuyos experimentos (llevados a cabo con él mismo, intentando llevar una vida optimista y productiva durante un año) se han viralizado y han dado la vuelta al mundo. Es columnista habitual en The Guardian .

Biografía del autor

Titular de la cátedra de Filosofía Hans Jonas en la New School for Social Research de Nueva York, enseña filosofía en la Universidad de Tilburg (Países Bajos) y es colaborador habitual de The New York Times. Tras sus primeros trabajos dedicados al horizonte ético-político de la deconstrucción, ha explorado las diversas caras de la muerte y el humor, para finalmente preguntarse por la actualidad de la tragedia en el mundo moderno. Prueba de esto último es Tragedia y Modernidad (2014), publicado en esta misma Editorial. Entre sus libros traducidos al castellano cabe mencionar también Muy poco casi nada (2007), El libro de los filósofos muertos (2008), La demanda infinita (2010), Sobre el humor (2010) y Apuntes sobre el suicidio (2016).