About the book
The Vegetative Soul demonstrates that one significant resource for the postmodern critique of subjectivity can be found in German Idealism and Romanticism, specifically in the philosophy of nature. Miller demonstrates that the perception of German Idealism and Romanticism as the culmination of the philosophy of the subject overlooks the nineteenth-century critique of subjectivity with reference to the natural world. This book's contribution is its articulation of a plant-like subjectivity. The vision of the human being as plant combats the now familiar conception of the modern subject as atomistic, autonomous, and characterized primarily by its separability and freedom from nature. Reading Kant, Goethe, Hölderlin, Hegel, and Nietzsche, Miller juxtaposes two strands of nineteenth-century German thought, comparing the more familiar \"animal\" understanding of individuation and subjectivity to an alternative \"plantlike\" one that emphasizes interdependence, vulnerability, and metamorphosis.
While providing the necessary historical context, the book also addresses a question that has been very important for recent feminist theory, especially French feminism, namely, the question of the possible configuration of a feminine subject. The idea of the \"vegetative\" subject takes the traditional alignment of the feminine with nature and the earth and subverts and transforms it into a positive possibility. Although the roots of this alternative conception of subjectivity can be found in Kant's third Critique and its legacy in nineteenth-century Naturphilosophie, the work of Luce Irigaray brings it to fruition.
Editions of The Vegetative Soul
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791453919
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791453926
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791488522
Read an Excerpt
The Vegetative Soul demonstrates that one significant resource for the postmodern critique of subjectivity can be found in German Idealism and Romanticism, specifically in the philosophy of nature. Miller demonstrates that the perception of German Idealism and Romanticism as the culmination of the philosophy of the subject overlooks the nineteenth-century critique of subjectivity with reference to the natural world. This book's contribution is its articulation of a plant-like subjectivity. The vision of the human being as plant combats the now familiar conception of the modern subject as atomistic, autonomous, and characterized primarily by its separability and freedom from nature. Reading Kant, Goethe, Hölderlin, Hegel, and Nietzsche, Miller juxtaposes two strands of nineteenth-century German thought, comparing the more familiar \"animal\" understanding of individuation and subjectivity to an alternative \"plantlike\" one that emphasizes interdependence, vulnerability, and metamorphosis.
While providing the necessary historical context, the book also addresses a question that has been very important for recent feminist theory, especially French feminism, namely, the question of the possible configuration of a feminine subject. The idea of the \"vegetative\" subject takes the traditional alignment of the feminine with nature and the earth and subverts and transforms it into a positive possibility. Although the roots of this alternative conception of subjectivity can be found in Kant's third Critique and its legacy in nineteenth-century Naturphilosophie, the work of Luce Irigaray brings it to fruition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Vegetative Soul about?
The Vegetative Soul demonstrates that one significant resource for the postmodern critique of subjectivity can be found in German Idealism and Romanticism, specifically in the philosophy of nature. Miller demonstrates that the perception of German Idealism and Romanticism as the culmination of the philosophy of the subject overlooks the nineteenth-century critique of subjectivity with reference to the natural world. This book's contribution is its articulation of a plant-like subjectivity. The vision of the human being as plant combats the now familiar conception of the modern subject as atomistic, autonomous, and characterized primarily by its separability and freedom from nature. Reading Kant, Goethe, Hölderlin, Hegel, and Nietzsche, Miller juxtaposes two strands of nineteenth-century German thought, comparing the more familiar \"animal\" understanding of individuation and subjectivity to an alternative \"plantlike\" one that emphasizes interdependence, vulnerability, and metamorphosis.
While providing the necessary historical context, the book also addresses a question that has been very important for recent feminist theory, especially French feminism, namely, the question of the possible configuration of a feminine subject. The idea of the \"vegetative\" subject takes the traditional alignment of the feminine with nature and the earth and subverts and transforms it into a positive possibility. Although the roots of this alternative conception of subjectivity can be found in Kant's third Critique and its legacy in nineteenth-century Naturphilosophie, the work of Luce Irigaray brings it to fruition.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Vegetative Soul?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy
Where can I read a sample of The Vegetative Soul?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791453919
How long is The Vegetative Soul and how many pages does it have?
The Vegetative Soul has 260 page(s)
Is The Vegetative Soul part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Contemporary Continental Philosophy
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Vegetative Soul?
Elaine P. Miller
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Vegetative Soul is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791453919) and paperback(ISBN 9780791453926) and pdf(ISBN 9780791488522)
Where can I buy The Vegetative Soul online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Vegetative Soul from below
Where can I buy The Vegetative Soul?