Philosophy and Literature

 

The rejection of poets and writers in Plato's Republic, along with the arguments he put forth to justify his stance, has given rise to a perceived gap between philosophy and literature. This has sparked a provocative debate within academia regarding the relationship between these two disciplines. Many assert that there is no inherent connection between philosophy and literature,

contrary views exist among writers and philosophers who contend that it is inaccurate to claim that philosophy and literature are fundamentally separate—rather, they argue that the two are intricately linked, serving as corollaries.

 

 

Philosophy is not an inaccessible and esoteric discourse reserved for intellectuals or those deemed eccentric. Philosophy is not confined to doctrines and inscrutable mysteries packaged in books advocating atheism or secularism. philosophy can be understood in two senses.

 

Firstly, it can be seen as a world view, defined as a comprehensive perspective on the world and humanity's place in it, encompassing beliefs and ideas derived from it—be they economic, social-political, or moral. Within this framework, we distinguish between a communal world view, an unconscious amalgamation of beliefs, and a philosophical world view, characterized by a systematic and prognostic compilation of beliefs, practices, concepts, and ideas. Secondly, philosophy can be viewed as a rational critical discourse primarily aimed at self-understanding. philosophy becomes the criticism of the ideas shaping our lives. In this context, philosophy is reactive, argumentative, and challenges established explanations of ourselves and our beliefs. The term itself is entangled in a litany of definitions stemming from its problematic elucidation and etymology.

 

Literature can be precisely defined as a written imaginative and literal work possessing significance and enduring artistic value. It must be imaginative, written, and infused with artistic values.

 Drawing connections between literature and philosophy, Olusegun posits two general points of relation. Firstly, both are forms of social consciousness, representing constructions of language.

 

The initial layer of their interconnectedness lies in the fact that both literature and philosophy are inherently social phenomena, as asserted by Oladipo. Their social nature extends beyond being products of the society; they emerge from the human experiences of individuals or groups, addressing abstract matters that arise from reflective contemplation on life's phenomena. both disciplines are deeply rooted in culture and cater to the intellectual and practical needs of society. They share a common focus on the human person in various aspects of experience, reflecting a shared pursuit of a better understanding and resolution of human existence.

 

The second connection between literature and philosophy is their shared reliance on language as a medium of construction. Philosophy formulates and clarifies concepts, while literature utilizes these words to convey ideas, characters, moral principles, and to expand upon realities. Furthermore, both disciplines serve as mirrors reflecting the society's development and state. The philosophy of an era and the literature of a period provide insights into the nature, problems, and realities of that time, encapsulating the beliefs of individuals about their surroundings.

 Philosophy, as defined earlier, is normative, offering norms to regulate thinking and behavior in society through the critical examination of prevailing ideas. Similarly, literature conveys morality pedagogically through thematic elements. For instance, works like Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" or "The Beautiful Ones are Not Yet Born," and Wole Soyinka's writings embody this normative aspect.

 

both philosophy and literature are systematic presentations, avoiding mere haphazard amalgamation. They are deliberate constructs with structured elements. the dynamic interaction between philosophy and literature involves a mutual exploration of each other's areas of discourse. Crucially, philosophy engages with literature through the instrument of critical inquiry.

 

 

Literal criticism involves the philosophical analysis and judgment of works of art and literature. The intertwining of philosophy and literature is evident in the observation that "Great Literature is often deeply philosophical, and Great Philosophy is often great literature." This fusion is exemplified by renowned philosophers, with many presenting their ideas in literary forms, as seen in Plato's Dialogues. Notably, philosophers like Nietzsche and Wittgenstein employed a dramatic and aphoristic style in their writings.

 

To rightfully assume its place and fulfill its societal function, literature must incorporate elements of philosophy. In fact, certain literary works, such as Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," are widely acknowledged as having philosophical dimensions.