On Beauty and Interpretation: Getting Closer to Nature with David Abram’s Poetic Language

Veniz Maja Guzman

On Beauty and Interpretation

Getting Closer to Nature with David Abram’s Poetic Language

Authors

Veniz Maja Guzman

Keywords:

Ecophenomenology, Poetic Language, Hermeneutics, Environment, Sublime

Abstract

In this article, David Abram’s solution to the problem of distance between the human being and the environment—the usage of poetic language—is evaluated using Paul Ricoeur’s concept of distanciation and Edmund Burke’s notion of the sublime. The first section deals with David Abram’s book The Spell of the Sensuous, Ted Toadvine’s critique of the book, and Abram’s reply to Toadvine’s critique. In the second section, Abram’s proposition on the usage of poetic language is read through the exposition of Paul Ricoeur’s distanciation and the idea of the sublime. Finally, Abram’s usage of poetic language is shown as an effective tool in getting closer to nature.

Keywords: • • • •

Author Biography

Veniz Maja Guzman

Veniz Maja V. Guzman is a Digital Marketing & SEO Specialist. Formerly teaching philosophy in one of the top universities in the Philippines, they fell in love with digital marketing after seeing that it entails a lot of experimentation and storytelling. A student at heart, they're currently taking their PhD in philosophy in De La Salle University, writing their dissertation on the intersection between knowledge and moral duty. Aside from work and school, Veniz plays video games, volunteers for human rights work, and studies magic.

On Beauty and Interpretation: Getting Closer to Nature with David Abram’s Poetic Language