Philosophy of Literature: An Introduction

by New,Christopher

• ISBN13: 9780415144858
• ISBN10: 041514485X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-03-16
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Literature, like the visual arts, posess its own characteristic philosophical problems. Literary theorists have discussed widely the nature of literature, while analytic philosophers have dealt with literary problems within the framework of aesthetics or have restricted themselves to topics which are accessible only to a philosophical audience.Philosophy of Literatureis unique in that it introduces the philosophy of literature from an analytic perspective which is both accessible to students of literature and students of philosophy. Specifically, the book addresses: the definition of literature, the distinction between oral and written literature and the identity of literary works.Philosophy of Literatureoffers fresh approaches to traditional issues and raises new questions about the nature of philosophical problems which literature gives rise to.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii	(1)
Acknowledgements	viii
1 What is literature? Clearing the ground	1	(18)
2 What is literature? Definitions and resemblances	19	(20)
3 Fiction	39	(14)
4 Psychological reactions to fiction	53	(16)
5 Imagination	69	(12)
6 Metaphor	81	(15)
7 Interpretation and intention	96	(12)
8 Literature, truth and morality	108	(16)
9 Literary appraisals	124	(14)
Notes	138	(10)
Bibliography	148	(1)
Index	149