Abstract

This dissertation seeks to address the problems of nihilism, normalization and atomistic egoism through a discussion of the self, ethics and power. It aims at the exploration and elaboration of a dialogical artistic ethos that accents the value of diversity. Augustine is an important figure in this project because of his critique of the egoism of the Roman pagan self. Equally important is his alternative confessing-self which seeks to divert the externally directed lust of the egoistic self inward into the self's depths where it seeks God's truth. Augustine's alternative is problematic, and some of these problems come to light in Foucault's critique of the confessing quality of modern selves even though the latter are not to be equated with Augustine's conception. Foucault's critique of the modern episteme and modern practices sheds light on modernity's tendencies towards nihilism and normalization. This essay argues that far from being nihilistic, Foucault's notion of a dialogical artistic ethos goes a good distance towards addressing the problems of nihilism and normalization he acutely identifies. Merleau-Ponty's philosophy in many ways enhances Foucault's position. Merleau-Ponty's theory of "depth being" elucidates the intercorporeality of world in a way that emphasizes the value of our dialogical relations with different others. His discussions of aesthetics and artists are important for a further elaboration of the dialogical artistic ethos and his political writings allow us to develop the interrelations between this ethos and democratic politics. Yet there are important differences between Merleau-Ponty and Foucault and they stem in large part from Merleau-Ponty's effort to salvage--albeit in a radically transformed manner--certain theoretical dimensions we find in Augustine's thought. In the final chapter the three theorists are brought together to access the relative merits of their rhetorical and philosophical similarities and differences. Much of the discussion revolves around each philosopher's conception of depth, since the latter is a central concern of each, through which each develops positions on the central problems addressed in this dissertation