The Laughter of the Thracian Woman: A Protohistory of Theory

Hans Blumenberg

The Laughter of the Thracian Woman: A Protohistory of Theory
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Country
United States
Published
18 June 2015
Pages
224
ISBN
9781623564612

The Laughter of the Thracian Woman: A Protohistory of Theory

Hans Blumenberg

An important work by 20-century philosopher Hans Blumenberg, here translated into English for the first time, The Laughter of the Thracian Woman describes the reception history of an anecdote best known from Plato’s Theaetetus dialogue: while focused on observing the stars, the early astronomer and proto-philosopher Thales of Miletus fails to see a well directly in his path and tumbles down. A Thracian servant girl laughs, amused that he sought to understand what was above him when he was not mindful of what was right in front of him.

Blumenberg sees the story as a highly sought substitute for our missing knowledge of the earliest historical events that would fit the label theory. By retelling the anecdote, philosophers reveal their distinctive values regarding absorption in curiosity, philosophy’s past, and the demand that theorists abide by sanctioned methods and procedures. In this work and others, Blumenberg demonstrates that philosophers’ most beloved images and anecdotes have become indispensable to philosophy as metaphors; that is, as representations whose meanings remain indefinite and invite frequent reinterpretation.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.