About the book
In this provocative work, Sophia Heller challenges the assumption that we cannot be without myth, that myth is necessary to vital, soulful living. Indeed, Heller argues, we have been living in a world without myth for a long time. The Absence of Myth examines the loss of a religious mode of being-in-the-world and demonstrates how theorists who insist on the presence of myth deny its historical end.
Absence of myth may seem obvious: evidenced by our lack of cult and ritual, and by our de-animated natural world, as well as in the emergence of conceptual thought and psychological awareness, which could only arise with the dissolution of a prereflective (mythic) mode of being-in-the-world. But what appears to be straightforward becomes complicated when myth is intentionally conflated with thought and reflection, usually in the attempt to cultivate a \"mythic consciousness\" that aims to restore meaning to life and assuage the spiritual malaise of contemporary culture.
Myth cannot rest in peace. It must be continually unearthed, redefined, and recontextualized such that modern and postmodern notions of myth are made to substitute for something that has never been experienced, only imagined.
Editions of The Absence of Myth
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791465899
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791465905
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791482551
Read an Excerpt
In this provocative work, Sophia Heller challenges the assumption that we cannot be without myth, that myth is necessary to vital, soulful living. Indeed, Heller argues, we have been living in a world without myth for a long time. The Absence of Myth examines the loss of a religious mode of being-in-the-world and demonstrates how theorists who insist on the presence of myth deny its historical end.
Absence of myth may seem obvious: evidenced by our lack of cult and ritual, and by our de-animated natural world, as well as in the emergence of conceptual thought and psychological awareness, which could only arise with the dissolution of a prereflective (mythic) mode of being-in-the-world. But what appears to be straightforward becomes complicated when myth is intentionally conflated with thought and reflection, usually in the attempt to cultivate a \"mythic consciousness\" that aims to restore meaning to life and assuage the spiritual malaise of contemporary culture.
Myth cannot rest in peace. It must be continually unearthed, redefined, and recontextualized such that modern and postmodern notions of myth are made to substitute for something that has never been experienced, only imagined.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Absence of Myth about?
In this provocative work, Sophia Heller challenges the assumption that we cannot be without myth, that myth is necessary to vital, soulful living. Indeed, Heller argues, we have been living in a world without myth for a long time. The Absence of Myth examines the loss of a religious mode of being-in-the-world and demonstrates how theorists who insist on the presence of myth deny its historical end.
Absence of myth may seem obvious: evidenced by our lack of cult and ritual, and by our de-animated natural world, as well as in the emergence of conceptual thought and psychological awareness, which could only arise with the dissolution of a prereflective (mythic) mode of being-in-the-world. But what appears to be straightforward becomes complicated when myth is intentionally conflated with thought and reflection, usually in the attempt to cultivate a \"mythic consciousness\" that aims to restore meaning to life and assuage the spiritual malaise of contemporary culture.
Myth cannot rest in peace. It must be continually unearthed, redefined, and recontextualized such that modern and postmodern notions of myth are made to substitute for something that has never been experienced, only imagined.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Absence of Myth?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Religion: general
Where can I read a sample of The Absence of Myth?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791465899
How long is The Absence of Myth and how many pages does it have?
The Absence of Myth has 270 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Absence of Myth?
Sophia Heller
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Absence of Myth is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791465899) and paperback(ISBN 9780791465905) and pdf(ISBN 9780791482551)
Where can I buy The Absence of Myth online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Absence of Myth?