On Existential Communication in Aart and Literature. ITERATURE. Vagaries of Philosophers

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of existential communication in art and literature. The problem is presented and analyzed on the base of classical texts of S. Kierkegaard, G.W.F. Hegel, F.W.J. Schelling, with reference to Polish classical esthetic writers, such as R. Ingarden, W. Tatarkiewicz or St. Ossowski. The article also contains numerous references to the characters of Mozart’s Don Juan, Goethe’s Faust or Kierkegaard’s Judge William. The selection of writers, as well as literary characters, allowed to confront two points of view on communication issues – subjective and objective ones. It made possible for the author to answer the question of possibility of communication at the moment, when the object of communication is fully available. This answer comprised understanding of the nature of art and literature, as well as of the function they are supposed to fulfill. The formulas enabled the author to finally summarize, that art follows life, but it is not life itself. Also, that esthetic experience, like any existential experience, can be expressed in words only to some extent. The truth of an artist escapes philosophical conceptualism, and the possibility of existential communication inclines them to express themselves in the face of the most difficult questions posed by fate. These are questions of artist’s own destiny and meaning of their work. A creator, for whom their own life is a work of art, or an artist, who decides on the choice of the language of signs, always express some kind of message. This is both high-minded and most prosaic, living on being fascinated with everyday existence. Taking into account the abovementioned context, the article suggests that existentialization of cognitive processes, which focuses on subjective perception of the world, is the most adequate way to approach a creator themselves, as well as their artistic activity. Of course, it corresponds to the long-lasting tradition of existential thinking and the possibility to use the method of existential communication.