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Walt Whitman – gelesen nach Spinoza

  • Ibon Zubiaur
Published/Copyright: February 20, 2008
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From the journal Volume 42 Issue 2

Abstract

Relying on Spinoza's system, we may assume that a poem is – among other things – the verbal register of an affective process. This can yield valuable insights into the epistemological value of poetry and its ethical relevance. Reading Walt Whitman's work under such premises, we find in openness to affections a condition of knowledge: maximizing favorable affections to understand their adequate causes allows not only the passive expression of an affective balance, but also the active generation of affects and ideas, thus contributing to the growth of our living power.

Published Online: 2008-02-20
Published in Print: 2007-12-01

© Walter de Gruyter

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