The Irreducible Reality of the Object

Phenomenological and Speculative Theories of Equipmentality
1. Auflage 2020
ISBN: 978-3-030-51413-6
Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buch, Englisch, 133 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 230 g

Reihe: SpringerBriefs in Philosophy

This intriguing and compact book investigates whether or not philosophy can have a use in the face of ‘capitalist realism’ today. Can philosophy study everyday objects like computers and mobile phones? Can it think of advertising, the population, electricity, buildings and even dreams as ‘objects’ in their own right, which convey particular and novel qualities when analysed?

Johns’ book starts from an immanent phenomenological study of objects, arguing that such objects disclose larger systems of anthropological meaning and control. The author moves away from the Husserlian ‘essence’ of the object and embeds his objects in a series of ‘uses’ (or ‘equipment’ as Heidegger called it). However, Johns makes a speculative move by positing the very existence of such ‘uses’ distinct from the human and first person phenomenological consciousness. This is when the annals of phenomenology meet contemporary strands of realism such as Speculative and Object Oriented models. For Johns, the world is in a constant state of being utilised, not merely through humans but through objects and their relations, and not only on a macro scale but on a micro scale (described by the theories of quantum physics).

The object then becomes a locus of use, yet, importantly, one that can never be reduced to relations alone. This is because the author believes that certain aspects of a relation withholds itself in its act of relating. The mutual dynamics of relation and property are thus rearticulated in a new light. This novel description of relation places Johns squarely between relational ontologies (such as Deleuze, Latour and Garcia) and non-relational ontologies (Harman).
This work is invaluable to researchers and any reader of contemporary philosophy in the age of advanced technology and capitalism.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Johns, Charles William

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Geschichte der Westlichen Philosophie Westliche Philosophie: 20./21. Jahrhundert
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Moderne Philosophische Disziplinen Phänomenologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Moderne Philosophische Disziplinen Postmoderne

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Heidegger’s Threefold of Experience.- Chapter 3. The Twofold of Neurosis & Assimilation.- Chapter 4. Tautology of the Object.- Chapter 5. 6 Dimensions of the Tautological Object.- Chapter 6. Use as Concept & Classification.- Chapter 7. Memory Spaces.- Chapter 8. The Threefold of Concepts: Experience, Shareability and Communication.- Chapter 9. Determinism & Asymmetry.- Chapter 10. Tautology of the Subject.- Chapter 11. Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Charles William Johns is the author of eight books at present, which deal with philosophy, psychology and literature. He instantiated ‘the neurotic turn’ in philosophy which drew contributions from Dany Nobus, John Russon, Nick Land, Benjamin Noys and many more. He is a major proponent of both the speculative realist and object-oriented tradition.