This book reclaims Hegels notion of the end of artor, more precisely, of arts past characternot just as a piece of the history of philosophy but as a living critical and interpretive methodology. It addresses the presence of the past character of art in both Hegel and contemporary philosophy and aesthetics.
The books innovative contribution lies in unifying the Hegelian thesis with discussions of contemporary art and philosophy. The author not only offers a Hegelian exegesis but also applies the idea of the past character of art to themes that are related to both Hegels philosophy, such as the French Revolution and the modern state, Kantian aesthetics, and religion and the sacred space disclosed for art, and going beyond Hegel, such as Celan''s poetry, Gramsci''s criticism of Croce, human rights, and even the grunge rock band Pearl Jam. Conversely, such non-Hegelian explorations will help enlighten what may look like a specific thread of Hegels aesthetics, but can be used to shed light on some core motives of his philosophy. The authors interpretation of arts past character reclaims the full value, attractiveness, and philosophical soundness of Hegels thesis, while rejecting its interpretation in terms of a complete dissolution of the aesthetic element into the philosophical one.
Hegel and the Present of Arts Past Character will be of interest to scholars and advanced students working on Hegel, philosophy of art and aesthetics, history of philosophy, political philosophy, and art theory.
