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- Title
Two Cases of Irony: Kant and Wittgenstein.
- Authors
Gadris, Stelios
- Abstract
In this paper, I propose that Kant's Träume eines Geistersehers, erläutert durch Träume der Metaphysik (TG) and Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico - Philosophicus (TLP) be read as ironic texts. I will argue that both Kant and Wittgenstein deliberately deploy a literary device, i.e. irony, in order to express their ambiguous attitudes towards metaphysics and philosophy. Both texts are to be regarded as critiques of metaphysics; nevertheless, they stop short of straightforwardly rejecting metaphysics. Irony thus captures the love-hate attitude held by Kant and Wittgenstein toward philosophy. Irony might even serve as a means of critique of philosophy; it might serve as a self-reflexive and self-critical activity for both Kant and Wittgenstein - perhaps as a means of catharsis for their (empty) aspirations for metaphysical knowledge. Irony, however, preserves the possibility of an incomprehensible metaphysical insight (for Kant) or an ineffable metaphysical feeling (for Wittgenstein). This feeling constantly eludes our understanding (Kant) and language (Wittgenstein). I will argue that irony resides in the concept of a Kantian pre-critical symbol. In its multiple significances, the concept of a symbol preserves the possibility of a multiplicity of meanings. Thus irony finds shelter within this multiplicity. In this way, it can both deny and entertain the possibility of the revelation of a metaphysical picture over and above every given sign. Thus the sign becomes a symbol open to interpretation. Both the pre-critical Kant and the Wittgenstein of the TLP were held captive by such a metaphysical picture. I will conclude that the critiques of pure reason (Kant) and language (Wittgenstein) presuppose a critique of the symbolic pictures that held Kant and Wittgenstein captive.
- Subjects
METAPHYSICS; PHILOSOPHY; RHETORIC; AUTHORSHIP; CYNICISM
- Publication
Kant-Studien, 2016, Vol 107, Issue 2, p343
- ISSN
0022-8877
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1515/kant-2016-0019