Kantian Genius Reconstructed
Wednesday, 05 June 2024, 16:00-18:00
Senate House, Room 243 (Click to register)
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I develop an interpretation of Kant’s theory of ‘genius’—a talent that, according to Kant, is required for artists to produce beautiful art—that shows how Kantian genius might avoid charges of elitism and individualism that twenty-first century aestheticians have levelled against the notion of genius. I contend that Kantian genius can be fruitfully understood as the power to act in ways that are not planned out in advance, but that arise ‘spontaneously.’ My interpretation counts a much broader range of actives as expressing ‘genius’ than those activities that are traditionally understood as artistic activities. I further contend that my interpretation of Kantian genius illuminates an underappreciated connection between Kant and Nietzsche: Kant’s genius and Nietzsche’s aesthetic experience both console us to existential suffering by providing us with an opportunity to see ourselves not only in our rational, deliberative faculties, but also in our subconscious drives and dispositions.
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Following NHS guidance, all attendees are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated (including boosters) against Covid-19, unless medically exempt. Our group is diverse; please continue to be considerate of those who wear face coverings and those who don’t. Thank you.