Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
The Brothers Karamazov, Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, fusion of horizons, Christianity
Department
English
Major
Philosophy, English, Great Books
Abstract
Presentation Abstract: Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut
This presentation is adapted from my essay Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut, written under the supervision of Dr. Paul Contino. In the essay, I gave an analysis of the character Alyosha in Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, in light of Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics, and Dr. Contino’s book on Incarnational Realism. I discussed how Alyosha adapts from an inexperienced Christian disciple to a mature interpreter capable of conducting the hermeneutical fusion of horizons with different horizons. Within this capability, Alyosha develops his unique Christian horizon, enabling him to understand and reconcile the conflicts and tensions of his people. I begin in part one, however, by pointing out Alyosha’s lack of a horizon in the book's first half. I applied Merleau-Ponty’s Gestalt theory and argued that Alyosha cannot see the holistic picture of the secular world he lives in. In part 2, I indicate that the Cana of Galilee miracle is Alyosha’s maturing moment, as he not only sees his limitations but knows how to turn his limitations to conduct the fusion of horizons. I gave one detailed analysis for each of the three characters, each of whom Alyosha helped with the fusion of horizons. I conclude that the novel's ending can be seen as a holistic picture where children, as the future hope, embrace an essential moment in their lives together.
Faculty Mentor
Paul Contino
Funding Source or Research Program
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Location
Black Family Plaza Classroom 191
Start Date
22-3-2024 2:45 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 3:00 PM
Included in
Continental Philosophy Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons, Russian Literature Commons
Alyosha the Christian Hermeneut
Black Family Plaza Classroom 191
Presentation Abstract: Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut
This presentation is adapted from my essay Alyosha as the Christian Hermeneut, written under the supervision of Dr. Paul Contino. In the essay, I gave an analysis of the character Alyosha in Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, in light of Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics, and Dr. Contino’s book on Incarnational Realism. I discussed how Alyosha adapts from an inexperienced Christian disciple to a mature interpreter capable of conducting the hermeneutical fusion of horizons with different horizons. Within this capability, Alyosha develops his unique Christian horizon, enabling him to understand and reconcile the conflicts and tensions of his people. I begin in part one, however, by pointing out Alyosha’s lack of a horizon in the book's first half. I applied Merleau-Ponty’s Gestalt theory and argued that Alyosha cannot see the holistic picture of the secular world he lives in. In part 2, I indicate that the Cana of Galilee miracle is Alyosha’s maturing moment, as he not only sees his limitations but knows how to turn his limitations to conduct the fusion of horizons. I gave one detailed analysis for each of the three characters, each of whom Alyosha helped with the fusion of horizons. I conclude that the novel's ending can be seen as a holistic picture where children, as the future hope, embrace an essential moment in their lives together.