Bücher von Andrew Benjamin

Reprint. Originally published: London, England: Routledge, 1989.

What is the work of art? How does art work as art? Andrew Benjamin contends that the only way to address these questions is by developing a radically new materialist philosophy of art, and by rethinking the history of art from within that perspective. A materialist philosophy of art starts with the contention that meaning is only ever the after effect of the way in which materials work. Starting with the relation between history, materials and work (art's work), this book opens up a highly original reconfiguration of the philosophy of art. Benjamin undertakes a major project that seeks to develop a set of complex interarticulations between art history and an approach to art's work that emphasizes art's material presence. A philosophy of art emerges from the limitations of aesthetics.

Benjamin provides readings of key canonical texts in the history of philosophy, including works by Hegel and Heidegger. This book represents a thorough and original contribution to contemporary philosophy to date.

Exploring the relationship between art and philosophy, this treatise argues for a reworking of the task of philosophy in terms of the centrality of ontology. The author explores painting, architecture and literature to elaborate the various aspects of ontological difference.