Podcasts about against theory

For episode 5 of EBL, the crew assembles to discuss the controversial 1982 article "Against Theory" by Steven Knapp and Walter Benn Michaels. The article is a critical attack on the enterprise, possibility and desirability of Literary Theory.

In which Connor and Adam break down Against Theory, the seminal essay of theory that's... against theory This is a preview. To get the full episode, go here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/against-theory-3-30823189

Why is it islamophobic to think that Ilhan Omar is anti-semitic? Because Roland Barthes was wrong in "Death of the Author." We bring Walter Benn Michaels' "Against Theory" to bear on the faux-outrage against Omar and critique AOC's weak support. Then, we talk about our very different public high school experiences - different in terms of class - and the recent college admissions scandal. Closing song: bloothirsty butchers - デストロイヤー [Destroyer]

Continuing on "The Death of the Author" by Roland Barthes (1967) and "What Is an Author?" by Michel Foucault (1969), and finally getting to “Against Theory” by Steven Knapp and Walter Benn Michaels (1982). What could it mean to say that a text, once written, speaks itself? We get into Foucault's critique of the cult of the author and the reader-centric types of analysis he proposes in its place. Plus, Knapp and Michaels's poem written by natural forces on a rock. Crazy stuff! Listen to part 1 first, or get the Citizen Edition plus citizen access to part 3. End song: "The Auteur" by David J (2018). Listen to Mark's interview with him soon at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Sponsor: Visit thegreatcoursesplus.com/PEL for a one-month free trial of The Great Courses Plus Video Learning Service.

On four essays about how to interpret artworks: “The Intentional Fallacy” by W. K. Wimsatt and Monroe Beardsley (1946), "The Death of the Author" by Roland Barthes (1967), "What is an Author?" by Michel Foucault (1969), and “Against Theory” by Steven Knapp and Walter Benn Michaels (1982). When you're trying to figure out what, say, a poem means, isn't the best way to do that to just ask the author? Most of these guys say no, and that's supposed to reveal something about the nature of meaning. No need to wait for part 2. Support us for access to the ad-free, unbroken Citizen Edition plus a one-hour follow-up conversation. Sponsors: Rover.com/partiallyexamined, code "partiallyexamined" = $25 off pet care, storyworth.com/pel for $20 off. partiallyexaminedlife.com/sjc to learn about St. John's College.

In this lecture, Professor Paul Fry takes on Knapp and Michaels's influential article, "Against Theory." The historical context of the piece is given and key aspects of the theorists' critical orientations, specifically their neo-pragmatism, are defined. A lengthy discussion of the relationships between, on the one hand, intention and meaning and, on the other hand, language and speech follows with reference to Saussure, deconstruction, and Russian formalism. Knapp and Michaels's use of Wordsworth's "A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal" to explore the limits of meaning and intention is examined in depth. Ultimately, the case is made, using issues subject to dispute in Knapp and Michaels, that theory is a useful and necessary tool in literary studies.

In this lecture, Professor Paul Fry takes on Knapp and Michaels's influential article, "Against Theory." The historical context of the piece is given and key aspects of the theorists' critical orientations, specifically their neo-pragmatism, are defined. A lengthy discussion of the relationships between, on the one hand, intention and meaning and, on the other hand, language and speech follows with reference to Saussure, deconstruction, and Russian formalism. Knapp and Michaels's use of Wordsworth's "A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal" to explore the limits of meaning and intention is examined in depth. Ultimately, the case is made, using issues subject to dispute in Knapp and Michaels, that theory is a useful and necessary tool in literary studies.