Variety of Viewpoints
MoA Member Karin Krauthausen in Conversation about Paul Valéry on the Occasion of the Philosopher's 150th Birthday
The desk of Paul Valéry with a cahier (workbook), ca. 1935. Copyright: Laure Albin-Guillot / Roger-Viollet; Centre Pompidou
In a special broadcast by the Austrian radio station Ö1 on the occasion of the 150th birthday of Paul Valéry on Tuesday, October 25th, 5:05 pm, MoA member Karin Krauthausen, together with other experts, provided insights into the rich oeuvre of the writer-philosopher.
For Paul Valéry, the analysis of human consciousness was at the heart of his work. In the over 26,000 pages of his »Cahiers« - the »Notes« considered his major work - there are numerous reflections on the function of consciousness. In every new attempt, he observed his thoughts as they came into being and tried to explore the connection between consciousness, thought, and memory. It was clear to Valéry that this project would never conclude. That is why he rejected the »ridiculous systems thinking« of many philosophers. He called his philosophical point of view »the multiplicity of points of view.« In literary form, this theme is found in the novel fragment »Monsieur Teste.« In the conversation with the narrator's ego, Monsieur Teste presents himself as an artificial figure who embodies the aspiration for a completely rationalized existence.
The science broadcast with the title »Ich denke mich, also bin ich.« (»I think me, therefore I am.«) edited by journalist Nikolaus Halmer was part of the series »Dimensions« and was in German.
More information and a link to the live stream are provided on the website of the ORF.