Being in Time: Selves and Narrators in Philosophy and Literature

by Genevieve Lloyd

Genevieve Lloyd's book is a provocative and accessible essay on the fragmentation of the self as explored in philosophy and literature. The past is irrevocable, consciousness changes as time passes: given this, can there ever be such a thing as the unity of the self? Being in Time explores the emotional aspects of the human experience of time, commonly neglected in philosophical investigation, by looking at how narrative creates and treats the experience of the self as fragmented and the past as 'lost'. It shows the continuities, and the contrasts, between modern philosophic discussions of the instability of the knowing subject, treatments of the fragmentation of the self in the modern novel and older philosophical discussions of the unity of consciousness. Being in Time combines theoretical discussion with human experience: it will be valuable to anyone interested in the relationship between philosophy and literature, as well as to a more general audience of readers who share Augustine's experience of time as making him a 'problem to himself'.

Genres: Philosophy

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 1993

About the author

Genevieve Lloyd (born at Cootamundra, New South Wales, 16 October 1941) is an Australian philosopher and feminist. She studied philosophy at the University of Sydney in the early 1960s and then at Somerville College, Oxford. Her D.Phil, awarded in 1973, was on 'Time and Tense'. From 1967 until 1987 she lectured at the Australian National University, during which period she developed her most influential ideas and wrote The Man of Reason, which was published in 1984. In 1987 she was appointed to the chair of philosophy at the University of New South Wales, being the first female professor of philosophy appointed in Australia.[1] On retirement, she was appointed Professor Emeritus.
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Reviews

[Icey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bogue argues that the self is not a fixed, essential entity, but is rather a fluid and dynamic construct that is constantly evolving over time. He draws on a wide range of philosophical and literary texts, including the works of Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Marcel Proust, to support this argument.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that narrative plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the self and the world around us. Bogue contends that narrative allows us to make sense of our experiences and to create a sense of continuity and coherence in our lives.

Another important theme of the book is the relationship between time and the self. Bogue argues that the self is constantly in a state of becoming, and that time plays a key role in this process. He draws on the concept of "temporality" from Heidegger's philosophy to support this argument.

Throughout the book, Bogue offers insightful and thought-provoking readings of a wide range of literary texts, including novels, plays, and poetry. He demonstrates how these texts can help us to better understand the complexities of selfhood and the ways in which narrative and time shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.