This paper formulates a critique on Dondaldson and Kymlicka's citizenship theory of domesticated ... more This paper formulates a critique on Dondaldson and Kymlicka's citizenship theory of domesticated animals, focusing on its trivial interpretation of animal agency and its asymmetry in terms of responsibilities between human and animal citizens. An alternative, more empowering approach is suggested
In this paper, I critically examine Husserl's claim on the onbounded range of objective reason, i... more In this paper, I critically examine Husserl's claim on the onbounded range of objective reason, in the beginning of the 'Logical Investigations'. Throughout the paper, I will argue in favor of a more sceptical interpretation of objective reason and for the possibility of meaning-fulfilment by non-objectifying acts.
This paper discusses Roger Scruton's theory of kitsch and investigates it relation to totalitaria... more This paper discusses Roger Scruton's theory of kitsch and investigates it relation to totalitarianism, through the figure of stupidity as discussed by Robert Musil. This threefold relationship, Scruton conceptualizes as a "spiritual disease". It is rendered possible through a distortion of the relation of modern communities to transcendence and redeemed through a restoration of the idea of beauty.
In this Mphil dissertation, I investigate the philosophical relation between the Czech phenomenol... more In this Mphil dissertation, I investigate the philosophical relation between the Czech phenomenologist Jan Patočka and the British conservative Roger Scruton. In the late seventies, both were involved in Czech dissidence against the communist regime. However, so far no research has been conducted on their philosophical relation. As Patočka pointed out, such philosophical experiments can be justified “only if the analysis sheds light on a philosophical problem.” The problem I have Scruton and Patočka address is what they call ‘the spiritual deficit of the modern world’. Both turn to spiritual education, or care for the soul, as a means to redeem this crisis. This thesis consists of three parts. First, I provide a short historical overview of both Patočka and Scruton’s involvement in Czech dissidence. Second, I discuss Patočka’s four-part narrative on the history of the modern metaphysics of force, spiritual authority and the solidarity of the ‘shaken’. Third, I summarize Scruton’s interpretation of the modern predicament and its redemption through the figure of sacrifice and tragic heroism. Finally, I compare both authors in light of their reflections on totalitarianism and the connection between spiritual leadership and dissidence.
This paper investigates the notion of the sublime in Schopenhauer's The World as Will and Represe... more This paper investigates the notion of the sublime in Schopenhauer's The World as Will and Representation. More specifically, it will discuss the role of embodied encounter and the possibility for a mediated sublime. Whereas Schopenhauer's writings offers certain openings for something like a 'technological sublime', it is concluded that this feeling lacks essential features in order to be called genuinely sublime in the Schopenhauerian sense.
This is a short Mphil-paper on the problem of intersubjectivity in Bergson's interpretation of fr... more This is a short Mphil-paper on the problem of intersubjectivity in Bergson's interpretation of freedom in 'Time and Free Will'. A close reading of its ethical, esthetic and political passages shows Bergson's lack of imagination for authentic intersubjectivity. It is argued that this creates serious problems for the volume's essentially moral nature, both in terms of accuracy and attractiveness.
This paper explores whether we can trace the frontline experience as Patocka conceptualized in hi... more This paper explores whether we can trace the frontline experience as Patocka conceptualized in his Hertical Essays outside of the context of the Forst World War. More precisely, it compares Patocka's phenomenological analysis to a case study of the so-called Kikyo Massacre in Butembo, a city in Eastern Congo. The central question then becomes whether we, modern Europeans of the twenty-first century, can learn from the courageous reaction of the Furu neighborhood after the assault. Not to forget, we qua human beings also are called to live an authentic life in search of the good, the true and the beautiful, thus to overcome our collective being-under-the-spell-of what Patocka depicts as Force.
This paper looks for a way out of the ecological crisis, by a close reading of Schelling's "Inves... more This paper looks for a way out of the ecological crisis, by a close reading of Schelling's "Investigations to the Essence of Human Freedom". In the end, the conclusion is clear: it is conscientiousness, not technology, by which we are necessitated to save ourselves and our planet.
Deze paper bestudeert Peter Sloterdijks analyse van Rainer Maria Rilkes gedicht "Archaischer Tors... more Deze paper bestudeert Peter Sloterdijks analyse van Rainer Maria Rilkes gedicht "Archaischer Torso Apollos" in zijn boek "You must change your life". Enerzijds blijkt hieruit dat Rilkes oeuvre een mooie illustratie vormt van Sloterdijks notie "antropotechniek", wat Rilke in zijn ogen tot een uitgesproken modern auteur maakt. Anderzijds blijkt na een lezing van Rilkes tekst "Rodin" dat hij voor die antropotechnische elementen de moster haalde bij zijn leermeester, beeldhouwer Auguste Rodin. In deze paper wil ik dan ook de onzichtbare rode draad ontwaren die de beeldhouwer, de dichter en de filosoof met elkaar verbindt. Bovendien wil ik achterhalen of niet enkel deze drie grootmeesters, maar intussen ook wij allemaal wezens van de antropotechniek geworden zijn.
This is a bachelor paper that talks about the gaze in Sartre's "Being and Otherness". After an an... more This is a bachelor paper that talks about the gaze in Sartre's "Being and Otherness". After an analysis of the phenomenon Sartre describes when one person looks at the other, the paper will question why Sartre states he gaze is dangerous, and whether he is right to say so. All this will be illustrated by Sartres wonderful play "Huis Clos".
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Papers by Marijke Doms
This thesis consists of three parts. First, I provide a short historical overview of both Patočka and Scruton’s involvement in Czech dissidence. Second, I discuss Patočka’s four-part narrative on the history of the modern metaphysics of force, spiritual authority and the solidarity of the ‘shaken’. Third, I summarize Scruton’s interpretation of the modern predicament and its redemption through the figure of sacrifice and tragic heroism. Finally, I compare both authors in light of their reflections on totalitarianism and the connection between spiritual leadership and dissidence.