Phil in the Details Stacy Cabrera

In this episode, we look at the second half of Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet with specific focus on some of the greater mistakes of reasoning made by Ransom throughout the text--specifically, his inability to rectify in his mind the fact that three species can exist in cohabitation without a forced power structure. We look at the philosophies of Aristotle and Aquinas, some more on memory as we return a bit to Paul Ricoeur and Plato as well. The episode sets up a discussion of Lewis's criticism of man, and some environmental philosophy as well!

In this second episode of the series, we look at a bit more of Lewis's philosophy (with even still more Tolkien!) from his work, Mere Christianity, in particular on the necessity of free will and the problem of Evil. This is then taken to the text of Out of the Silent Planet and the way it investigates Christian notions of Goodness and Sin. Finally, we look at less religious philosophies and their role on memory, a dominant theme in the novel,. particularly in its contrast to the philosophies of David Hume.

In this new series, I'll investigate the first of the science-fiction trilogy by C.S. Lewis, called Out of the Silent Planet--a good little exploration into metaphysical and linguistic themes through the mid-century modern lens of Christianity. In this first episode, I discuss the roll of fantasy through Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories" as his friendship impressed upon Lewis's christian works, along with the roll of 'aporia' in learning, shown by the main character, Ransom.

In this episode, I look at poetry about "America" from a multiplicity of sources--the Romantics, the Beat Generation, the Harlem Renaissance, and recently produced music. Then, the commentary on American society is applied through a discussion of being definer versus being defined recently explored in the chapters of Beloved, Book II. 



The final episode of the series, next week, will look at the final book (III) of Beloved, with discussion of the ethics of story telling in and outside of one's cultural heritage.



Resources:


Walt Whitman's poem, "I Hear America Singing"
Langston Hughes' poem, "I, Too"
Allen Ginsberg's poem, "America" (with Ginsberg reading, over music by Tom Waits)
Beat Generation, 'Cheat Sheet'
Childish Gambino, "This is America"

In a short "Where are They Now?" segment, I return to wrap-up some important narratives, including Lucy and Walter, while also looking at the relationship of Elinor and Webley as it presents a pawn in the chess match against God being played all novel by Spandrell. 

This episode sets up the final chapter, where extensive analysis of Huxley's point will be concluded. Tune in next week for a conversation between me and my husband about the ending of the book, and what it means to us... and what we're still arguing about.



Resources:


Marx, 'Cheat Sheet'
Communism vs. Fascism, 'Cheat Sheet'

This episode focuses on the issue of defining art and its experience, introducing some of the thoughts and philosophies of Tom Wolfe in his Painted Word and John Dewey in his Art as Experience. Also included are some ideas shared by my current students on defining 'art' and what types of things are considered are for what reasons. I then look at the issue of 'beauty' in aesthetics through some specific works, including Beloved, which rides the line of beauty and the horrible, and whether or not understanding is necessary to experience in art.



Resources:


Presentation Notes, Art as Experience (chapters 1, 3, 4)