Philosophy of Exaggeration

by Alexander García Düttmann

'Thought always exaggerates' Hannah Arendt writes. The question of exaggeration becomes a philosophical question when thought endeavours to clarify the ways in which it relates to limits. If its disclosing force depends on exaggeration, so does the confusion to which it can fall prey. This book analyses concepts such as truth and trust, practices such as politics and art, experiences such as the formation of a life line and its erasure, from the viewpoint of exaggeration.

Genres: Philosophy

Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

Alexander Düttmann is a philosopher with an interest in aesthetics and art, but also in moral and political philosophy. On more than one occasion, he has collaborated with artists. In 2004, the chamber opera Liebeslied / My Suicides, for which I wrote the libretto, and which featured music by Paul Clark and photographs by Rut Blees Luxemburg, opened at the ICA.

Reviews

[Umar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read 5 pages and already feels like a memorable read. Great topic. His style is heavy-handed but illuminating and detailed. This is one book I want to finish and understand thoroughly.

"Philosophy drives exaggeration to the limit at which it becomes what drives philosophy."