Language and Medium

I believe that Jacob brought up a very poignant observation of the fact that language is independent of the medium to which it expresses, as I later added language in itself exists in our minds and then uses visual or auditory vehicles with which to reveal itself. I think that literature could be considered (or at least as one condition to what it is) that it involves a skill, more specifically a skill with words. This is why I do not agree that speeches are not literature, if an orator givves a speech or writes an essay, the content is judged the same, that is whether the words and word choice, stylistic elements, and content, are expressed with skill and superior quality. This leaves our concept of literature open to the concept of blogs, tweets, and yes even Facebook posts being considered literature or possibly literary, but I do not disagree that electronic media can be just as capable an outlet for revealing a talent with prose and verbal communication as books or written language.

On defining literature

It seems that when attempting to define literature, we should be observant of the purpose of such a definition. If we are trying to define literature so that we can properly apply it, then it may be more effective to work in reverse order. By that I mean we should adopt Stecker's method of vieiwng where the term was applied and then analyzing the criteria that made the term applicable. We can then compare the various criterias used to apply the term, and see what the criteria have in common. This may lead us to a definition which is pluralistic and multifaceted, but I believe that will bring us to the most full understanding possible of what literature may look like in its entirety. With terms like literature, science, music amongst many others, the difficulty in defining the term is that there is never one coherent circumstance in which the term is used. Instead we see that certain situations the term is used to explain degrees of a quality (something being musical or literary) or that it is an embodiment of the concept as a whole (it is lterature).

Q&A #1: Question 2

My second question concerning the Nussbaum reading was whether or not the reader or audience play's a significant role in deciding what style to adopt when trying to convey an ethical truth? We discussed several times the notion that style and quality of writing is typically associated with a particular understanding of literature, one that is informed and educated. We also talked about how this understanding may not be available to the public at large, and thus certain styles or qualities in writing are reserved for those who can understand it. For Nussbaum she believes that there should be no specialization when trying to learn about "how one should live", as David stated she believes ethical studies is one that is "multi-criterial".  In ideal circumstances people would have access to both literature and academic treatises, meaning any person would have the faculty to appreciate and understand both forms of writing and probably other mediums in which an ethical truth can be conveyed.

Q&A #1: Question 1

The first question I was interested in the Nussbaum reading was whether Nussbaum believed that the same aesthetic quality contained in literature, could be found in theoretical philosophical treatises. Specifically would the use of metaphor, emotive language, and other stylistic elements be enough to warrant a treatise as aesthetic? My speculation is that Nussbaum would claim that a specific aesthetic quality is found in literature, as that aesthetic quality is specific to that form. If the form of literature provides not only specific content but a specific aesthetic pleasure, than there would a specific pleasure that could be found in a treatise of philosophical concepts. Understanding the relationship between content and form as Nussbaum explains it, I think that she would agree that since certain forms can convey certain truths, than so too can a specific form convey or reveal a specific aesthetic quality.

On Love and Knowledge

I find it interesting that the ancient quarrel between philosophers and poets is defined by the quarrel between Plato and poets. Plato's dialogues are in no way a standard philosophical treatise, while they may have the form of logical argument made of propositions, I am not inclined to believe that this narrative form is the most effective for conveying his thoughts. Would not a simple treatise beginning with axioms and then working to defend the thesis have been a better method to teach about ethics rather than a fictitious conversation between Socrates and other characters? Another area of interest brought up in the essay is the value of emotions as helping to complete an understanding of certain human experiences. While over emotional reactions are irrational an appropriate balance between emotion and reason is not an unreasonable state of mind or method of approaching ethical concepts. Thoughts anyone?

From the Toolkit

What I would like to point out about the toolkit's understanding of a "justified belief" is related to the conversation we had this past Friday. Justification for a belief will vary from subject matter to subject matter, especially when we transgress the speculative/empirical knowledge boundaries. Within each discipline there seems to be a specific method or procedure for justfying a claim, and while these may overlap on occasion (such as the use of logical argument within many disciplines) there is seemingly no objective standard of justification. What it means to be justififed in a belief will vary depending on the concept being investigated, this is just something I found to be slightly interesting when thinking about how we arrive at the conclusion that a claim is true via being justifed by evidence.

A little about myself

Hello all and welcome to my blog. The title of my blog is a quote by Robert Louis Stevenson on literature as an artistic medium and its purpose. I am a Philosophy major here at MCLA with a minor in Cross Cultural and Social Justice. My specific interest in philosophy is well, anything aestehtic. By that I mean my preferred  interest in philosophy usually relates to theories about art, beauty, and the significance of the two as part of the human experience. As of last semester I have taken a specific interest in the Philosophy of Music and hope to pursue the subject for a possible thesis project. Well that enough about me, hope you all find the class stiumlating and informative and I look forward to our seminar this semester.