Words Fail
Theology, Poetry, and the Challenge of Representation
Published on 3. October 2016
Book
Hardback
136 pages
978-0-8232-7283-9 (ISBN)
Description
There has been much philosophical speculation on the potential failure of language as well as the search for a presentation of the "thing itself" beyond representation. Words Fail pursues the writings of a trio of philosophers-Jacques Derrida, Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe, and Giorgio Agamben-as prime examples of how modern poetry presents us with a profitable vantage point from which to survey the ongoing struggle of living in a highly fragmented world.
Alongside these thinkers, this book looks specifically at the form of spirituality that is given shape by this intersection of poetics and theological-philosophical reflection-all of which offer rich suggestions about our spiritual nature.
Alongside these thinkers, this book looks specifically at the form of spirituality that is given shape by this intersection of poetics and theological-philosophical reflection-all of which offer rich suggestions about our spiritual nature.
Reviews / Votes
"Colby Dickinson provides us with a compelling meditation on the complex relationship between poetry, philosophy, and religion. He not only illuminates Derrida and Agamben's engagement with poetry but allows poetry to talk back to philosophy-and invites the reader to reconsider what is at stake every time we sit down to write." -- -Adam Kotsko Shimer CollegeMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
353 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8232-7283-9 (9780823272839)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2016
1st Edition
Fordham University Press
€23.49
Available for download
E-Book
10/2016
1st Edition
Fordham University Press
€23.49
Available for download
Person
Colby Dickinson is Assistant Professor of Theology at Loyola University Chicago.
Content
Introduction 1. The logic of the 'as if' and the (non)existence of God: An inquiry into the nature of belief 2. Aesthetics among the metaphysical ruins: The poetry of Paul Celan seen through the works of Jacques Derrida and Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe 3. On language and its profanation: Beyond representation in the poetic theory of Giorgio Agamben Conclusion: The Spiritual and Creative Failures of Representation, or On the Art of Writing Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index