Oxford University Press, USA
Poetics of Evil: Toward an Aesthetic Theodicy
Poetics of Evil: Toward an Aesthetic Theodicy
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What role does art play in unravelling the theological problem of evil? What can aesthetics show us about God's goodness in a world of iniquity? Philip Tallon constructs an aesthetic theodicy through a fascinating examination of Christian aesthetics, ranging from the writings of Augustine to
contemporary philosophy. Tallon offers a new framework for theodicy that allows the substantial inclusion of aesthetics, building on the work of Eleonore Stump. He then examines the concept of cosmic harmony, the predominant aesthetic motif within medieval theodicy, and shows how Augustine develops this theme by
interweaving his metaphysical, moral, and aesthetic views of reality. Tallon then examines other aesthetic themes within theodicy, with special attention to tragedy, a motif that has become increasingly integrated into theodicy in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He shows where tragedy falls
short as a sufficient theme for theodicy, but also demonstrates how it complements Augustine's theme of cosmic harmony. Finally, Tallon considers the horror of evil, an aesthetic theme that has often been used as an attack on the existence of God, but which has recently been used to understand how theodicy should be formulated to respond to the worst evils. By digging more deeply into the darker side of aesthetics,
The Poetics of Evil offers a deeper perception of tragedy and malevolence, but also a richer understanding of the Christian response to the problem of evil.
Author: Philip Tallon
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 11/18/2011
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.32lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.75d
ISBN: 9780199778935
contemporary philosophy. Tallon offers a new framework for theodicy that allows the substantial inclusion of aesthetics, building on the work of Eleonore Stump. He then examines the concept of cosmic harmony, the predominant aesthetic motif within medieval theodicy, and shows how Augustine develops this theme by
interweaving his metaphysical, moral, and aesthetic views of reality. Tallon then examines other aesthetic themes within theodicy, with special attention to tragedy, a motif that has become increasingly integrated into theodicy in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He shows where tragedy falls
short as a sufficient theme for theodicy, but also demonstrates how it complements Augustine's theme of cosmic harmony. Finally, Tallon considers the horror of evil, an aesthetic theme that has often been used as an attack on the existence of God, but which has recently been used to understand how theodicy should be formulated to respond to the worst evils. By digging more deeply into the darker side of aesthetics,
The Poetics of Evil offers a deeper perception of tragedy and malevolence, but also a richer understanding of the Christian response to the problem of evil.
Author: Philip Tallon
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 11/18/2011
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.32lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.75d
ISBN: 9780199778935
About the Author
Philip Tallon is an Affiliate Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Asbury Theological Seminary.
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