Impossible Objects: Interviews

by Simon Critchley, Carl Cederström, Todd Kesselman

Impossible objects are those about which the philosopher, narrowly conceived, can hardly poetry, film, music, humor. Such "objects" do not rely on philosophy for interpretation and understanding; they are already independent practices and sites of sensuous meaning production. As Elvis Costello has said, "writing about music is like dancing about architecture." We don't need literary theory in order to be riveted by the poem, nor a critic's analysis to enjoy a film. How then can philosophy speak about anything outside of itself, namely all of those things which actually matter to us in this world?

In Impossible Objects, Simon Critchley - one of the most influential and insightful philosophers writing today - extends his philosophical investigation into non-philosophical territories, including discussions on tragedy, poetry, humor, and music. In a series of engaging and enlightening conversations, Critchley reflects on his early work on the ethics of deconstruction; the recurring themes of mortality and nihilism; his defense of neo-anarchism; and his recent investigation into secular faith, or "a faith of the faithless". Essential reading for artists, academics, and general readers alike, this book explores the relationship between the philosophical world and those complex and fascinating "impossible objects" which give life meaning.

Genres: Philosophy

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2011

About the author

Simon Critchley (born 27 February 1960 in Hertfordshire) is an English philosopher currently teaching at The New School. He works in continental philosophy. Critchley argues that philosophy commences in disappointment, either religious or political. These two axes may be said largely to inform his published work: religious disappointment raises the question of meaning and has to, as he sees it, deal with the problem of nihilism; political disappointment provokes the question of justice and raises the need for a coherent ethics [...]

Reviews

[Nj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essay on Can was a surprising/enjoyable addition to a few interviews I'd read in other places. Watching Crtichley work out his theories of 'disappointment' in a counter to Levinas' critique of Derridian ethics in 'real-time' was worth the price of admission.

[Jeremy Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed the rawness of the interviews and the breadth of subject matter.

[Emma Sea]

NTS: 9.99 on Kindle