Show notes
In this episode, I deeply digest the characterization of probably Huxley's most complex character in Point Counter Point: Maurice Spandrell. Defending him against the unjust critics of the 60s and 70s, I argue against the Oedipus-complex Freudian psychoanalytic label, the Nihilist label, and instead situate him where I firmly believe he should be: Kierkegaard's "demonic." No wonder he's always so 'anxious' to prove himself to Rampion! Lots of different philosophies in this one, so please take a look at the resources posted below, including a paper I wrote, myself, on Kierkegaard's Philosophical Fragments with more information about the moment of paradox and the 'leap of faith.'
Resources:
- Freud, 'Cheat Sheet'
- Nietzsche and Nihilism, 'Cheat Sheet'
- Kierkegaard, 'Cheat Sheet'
- selections from Kierkegaard's Either/Or
- selections from Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling
- selections from C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity
- my own paper, seminar, "Kierkegaard's Philosophical Fragments: The Hypothesis of Religious Understanding"