Description
THE PREEMINENCE OF THE METAPHORICAL WORD
Book Summary
In this work, Ernesto Grassi proposes a profound reflection on the relationship between philosophy and poetry, defending the thesis that the metaphorical word possesses a preeminence over the rational word. Based on the metamorphic character of reality, the author examines how poetic language transcends the limits of logical discourse. Through the analysis of thinkers such as Heidegger, Meister Eckhart, Novalis, and the poet Ungaretti, Grassi demonstrates the pathetic power of metaphor and its capacity to express truths that reason cannot encompass. An essential essay for understanding the philosophical dimension of literary language.
What is it about?
The book addresses the classic problem of the relationship between philosophy and poetry, but does so from an original perspective: the assertion that the metaphorical word is superior to the rational word. Grassi argues that this preeminence is based on the metamorphic character of reality—that is, on its constant transformation and change, which rational language cannot fully capture. Building on this foundation, the author explores the theoretical implications of this thesis, analyzing how different authors have established links between philosophical thought and poetic expression. He examines the works of Martin Heidegger, Meister Eckhart, Novalis, and the poet Giuseppe Ungaretti to show how metaphor is not a mere literary ornament, but an essential vehicle for accessing a deeper understanding of existence. The work thus moves the problem of metaphor beyond its traditionally literary sphere, placing it at the center of contemporary philosophical debate.
Main Themes
- The preeminence of the metaphorical word over the rational word.
- The relationship between philosophy and poetry as a presupposition of knowledge.
- The metamorphic character of reality and its implications for language.
- The pathetic power of the word and the overcoming of the limits of rational language.
- Analysis of metaphor in the work of Heidegger, Meister Eckhart, Novalis, and Ungaretti.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for students and professionals of philosophy, literary theory, and the history of ideas. It will also be of great interest to readers passionate about poetry who wish to explore its philosophical dimension, as well as to those interested in the thought of Martin Heidegger, speculative mysticism, or German Romanticism. It is a work recommended for those seeking a rigorous reflection on language and its capacity to express reality beyond logic.
What this book contributes
- An original and well-founded thesis on the superiority of metaphorical language over rational language.
- A detailed analysis of the relationship between philosophy and poetry through key figures of Western thought.
- A perspective that transcends the literary realm to place metaphor at the center of philosophical debate.
- Keys to understanding the expressive and cognitive power of the poetic word.
- A relevant contribution to the study of language, hermeneutics, and contemporary philosophy.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Ernesto, Grassi
- Publisher: Anthropos Editorial
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: POETRY, LITERATURE: HISTORY AND CRITICISM, MEDIEVAL HISTORY, MODERN HISTORY: C.1450/1500-C. 1700, PHILOSOPHY, HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
- Collection: HUMANISM
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2019
- Number of pages: 192
- Weight: 250 g
Editorial Review
This is a profound philosophical essay that offers a stimulating proposal for rethinking the relationship between language, thought, and reality. Grassi manages to articulate a complex thesis clearly, supported by a solid analysis of fundamental authors. The work will be especially valuable for readers with a background in philosophy or literary theory, as it requires some familiarity with debates on language and hermeneutics. Its interdisciplinary approach makes it an enriching read for those looking to delve into the connections between poetry and thought.