About the book
Many of Kafka's narratives place their heroes in situations of confinement. Gregor Samsa is locked in his room in the Metamorphosis, and the land surveyor in The Castle is stuck in the village unable either to leave or to gain access to the castle. Dimitris Vardoulakis argues that Kafka constructs these plots of confinement in order to laugh at his heroes' futile attempts to express their will. In this way, Kafka emerges as a critic of the free will and as a proponent of a different kind of freedom: one focused within the confines of one's experience and mediated by one's circumstances. Vardoulakis contends that his sense of humor is the key to understanding Kafka as a political thinker. Laughter, in this account, is the tool used to deconstruct power. By placing Kafka in dialogue with philosophy and political theory, Vardoulakis shows that Kafka can give us invaluable insights into how to be free—and how to laugh.
Editions of Freedom from the Free Will
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438462394
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438462400
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438462417
Read an Excerpt
Many of Kafka's narratives place their heroes in situations of confinement. Gregor Samsa is locked in his room in the Metamorphosis, and the land surveyor in The Castle is stuck in the village unable either to leave or to gain access to the castle. Dimitris Vardoulakis argues that Kafka constructs these plots of confinement in order to laugh at his heroes' futile attempts to express their will. In this way, Kafka emerges as a critic of the free will and as a proponent of a different kind of freedom: one focused within the confines of one's experience and mediated by one's circumstances. Vardoulakis contends that his sense of humor is the key to understanding Kafka as a political thinker. Laughter, in this account, is the tool used to deconstruct power. By placing Kafka in dialogue with philosophy and political theory, Vardoulakis shows that Kafka can give us invaluable insights into how to be free—and how to laugh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Freedom from the Free Will about?
Many of Kafka's narratives place their heroes in situations of confinement. Gregor Samsa is locked in his room in the Metamorphosis, and the land surveyor in The Castle is stuck in the village unable either to leave or to gain access to the castle. Dimitris Vardoulakis argues that Kafka constructs these plots of confinement in order to laugh at his heroes' futile attempts to express their will. In this way, Kafka emerges as a critic of the free will and as a proponent of a different kind of freedom: one focused within the confines of one's experience and mediated by one's circumstances. Vardoulakis contends that his sense of humor is the key to understanding Kafka as a political thinker. Laughter, in this account, is the tool used to deconstruct power. By placing Kafka in dialogue with philosophy and political theory, Vardoulakis shows that Kafka can give us invaluable insights into how to be free—and how to laugh.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Freedom from the Free Will?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Freedom from the Free Will?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438462394
How long is Freedom from the Free Will and how many pages does it have?
Freedom from the Free Will has 212 page(s)
Is Freedom from the Free Will 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 Freedom from the Free Will?
Dimitris Vardoulakis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Freedom from the Free Will is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438462394) and paperback(ISBN 9781438462400) and pdf(ISBN 9781438462417)
Where can I buy Freedom from the Free Will online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Freedom from the Free Will from below
Where can I buy Freedom from the Free Will?