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A Philosophy of Luxury
In this thought-provoking book Lambert Wiesing asks simply: What is luxury? Drawing on a fascinating range of examples, he argues that luxury is an aesthetic experience. Unlike experience gained via the senses, such as seeing, hearing or tasting, he argues that luxury is achieved by possessing something - an aspect of philosophy that has been largely neglected. As such, luxury becomes a gesture of individual defiance and a refusal to conform to social expectations of restraint. An increasingly rational and goal-oriented ethos in society makes the appeal of luxury grow even stronger.
Drawing on the ideas of philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schiller, Martin Heidegger and the novelist Ernst J�nger, as well as sociologists such as Thorstein Veblen and Theodor Adorno, A Philosophy of Luxury will be of great interest to those in philosophy, art, cultural studies and literature as well as sociology.
Drawing on the ideas of philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Schiller, Martin Heidegger and the novelist Ernst J�nger, as well as sociologists such as Thorstein Veblen and Theodor Adorno, A Philosophy of Luxury will be of great interest to those in philosophy, art, cultural studies and literature as well as sociology.
- GenresPhilosophy
172 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 15, 2021
Luxus als ästhetische Erfahrung. Für jeden, der sich mit Adornos „Ästhetische Theorie“ befasst, ist dieses Buch ein Muss!
March 30, 2022
part I was not really necessary, but I liked the discussion in the second part
June 28, 2020
Excellent study of the exact nature and definition of luxury from a phenomenological perspective. Highly enjoyed the chapter developing comparisons of luxury versus elegance. This is a really engaging and interesting read!
March 28, 2023
The book begins by tracing the history of luxury, from its origins in ancient societies to its contemporary manifestations in the globalized economy. Wiesing argues that luxury has always been a source of fascination and desire for humans, and that it has played an important role in shaping our ideas of beauty, pleasure, and status.
Wiesing also explores the relationship between luxury and art, arguing that both are concerned with the creation and enjoyment of beauty, but that they differ in important ways. While art is often seen as a form of self-expression or cultural critique, luxury is more closely associated with pleasure, indulgence, and social distinction.
Throughout the book, Wiesing offers a nuanced and complex analysis of the concept of luxury, drawing on a wide range of philosophical and cultural sources. He argues that luxury is not simply a matter of individual taste or preference, but is instead deeply intertwined with our social and cultural identities. Ultimately, he suggests that a critical understanding of luxury is essential for anyone interested in the nature of human desire, creativity, and cultural expression.
At the same time, Wiesing argues that the meaning of luxury is not just a matter of material objects or consumer goods. Instead, he suggests that luxury is deeply connected to our sense of self, our social status, and our relationship to the world around us. For example, Wiesing argues that luxury is often associated with feelings of exclusivity, rarity, and privilege. By owning or experiencing luxury goods and services, we feel that we are part of an elite group that is able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Wiesing suggests that luxury goods and services are often marketed as "timeless" or "eternal," suggesting that they will retain their value and significance regardless of changing social, economic, or cultural conditions. This creates a sense of exclusivity and prestige that is often tied to the idea of timelessness - by owning or experiencing luxury items, we feel that we are part of a privileged group that is able to transcend the ordinary limitations of time and space.
At the same time, Wiesing acknowledges that the idea of timelessness is also deeply problematic. He argues that the pursuit of luxury and timelessness can often lead to a kind of "spiritual emptiness," in which we become disconnected from the present moment and lose sight of our connections to the world around us. In this sense, luxury can be seen as a kind of escape or distraction from the challenges and complexities of everyday life.
Wiesing also explores the relationship between luxury and art, arguing that both are concerned with the creation and enjoyment of beauty, but that they differ in important ways. While art is often seen as a form of self-expression or cultural critique, luxury is more closely associated with pleasure, indulgence, and social distinction.
Throughout the book, Wiesing offers a nuanced and complex analysis of the concept of luxury, drawing on a wide range of philosophical and cultural sources. He argues that luxury is not simply a matter of individual taste or preference, but is instead deeply intertwined with our social and cultural identities. Ultimately, he suggests that a critical understanding of luxury is essential for anyone interested in the nature of human desire, creativity, and cultural expression.
At the same time, Wiesing argues that the meaning of luxury is not just a matter of material objects or consumer goods. Instead, he suggests that luxury is deeply connected to our sense of self, our social status, and our relationship to the world around us. For example, Wiesing argues that luxury is often associated with feelings of exclusivity, rarity, and privilege. By owning or experiencing luxury goods and services, we feel that we are part of an elite group that is able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Wiesing suggests that luxury goods and services are often marketed as "timeless" or "eternal," suggesting that they will retain their value and significance regardless of changing social, economic, or cultural conditions. This creates a sense of exclusivity and prestige that is often tied to the idea of timelessness - by owning or experiencing luxury items, we feel that we are part of a privileged group that is able to transcend the ordinary limitations of time and space.
At the same time, Wiesing acknowledges that the idea of timelessness is also deeply problematic. He argues that the pursuit of luxury and timelessness can often lead to a kind of "spiritual emptiness," in which we become disconnected from the present moment and lose sight of our connections to the world around us. In this sense, luxury can be seen as a kind of escape or distraction from the challenges and complexities of everyday life.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews