A Baedeker to the Fake & The Eight Veils of ‘Quality’: (A reading of Robert M. Pirsig’s Aesthetic)

Hornsby, I. (2000) A Baedeker to the Fake & The Eight Veils of ‘Quality’: (A reading of Robert M. Pirsig’s Aesthetic). In: Bursary Presentation, 7 February 2000, University College Chichester. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This paper offers an exploration and interpretation of Robert M. Pirsig’s key term ‘Quality’; the notion of a pre-intellectual moment that he suggests exists between the thing in itself and rationalisation. I have followed two traces of ‘Quality’ in search of a Pirsigian aesthetic. Firstly, a metaphysical trace, which investigates the pre-intellectual moment in relation to the writings of Plato, Schopenhauer, Schelling, Heidegger and Derrida. Secondly, I have pursued a mystical trace, which attempts to get back behind Maya (the illusion of reality) to the universal poetic energy or ‘Quality’ by dissolving the eight veils that obscure the work of art. Finally, I have put forward a concept of the Fake as a guard against the complete rejection of rationality that leads only to ignorance and credulousness. I suggest that through the Fake, it is possible to acknowledge rationally that which is beyond our rational capability.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Items (Paper)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
P Language and Literature > PS American literature
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Arts and Humanities > Theatre
Event Title: Bursary Presentation
Event Location: University College Chichester
Event Dates: 7 February 2000
Depositing User: Ian Hornsby
Date Deposited: 01 Nov 2017 14:56
Last Modified: 01 Nov 2017 14:56
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/2990

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