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

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Mar 22nd, 2:45 PM Mar 22nd, 3:00 PM

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.

 

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