Most philosophy has rejected the theater; denouncing it as a place of illusion or moral decay; the theater in turn has rejected philosophy; insisting that drama deals in actions; not ideas. Challenging both views; The Drama of Ideas shows that theater and philosophy have been crucially intertwined from the start. Plato is the presiding genius of this alternative history. The Drama of Ideas presents Plato not only as a theorist of drama; but also as a dramatist himself; one who developed a dialogue-based dramaturgy that differs markedly from the standard; Aristotelian view of theater. Puchner discovers scores of dramatic adaptations of Platonic dialogues; the most immediate proof of Platos hitherto unrecognized influence on theater history. Drawing on these adaptations; Puchner shows that Plato was central to modern drama as well; with figures such as Wilde; Shaw; Pirandello; Brecht; and Stoppard using Plato to create a new drama of ideas. Puchner then considers complementary developments in philosophy; offering a theatrical history of philosophy that includes Kierkegaard; Nietzsche; Burke; Sartre; Camus; and Deleuze. These philosophers proceed with constant reference to theater; using theatrical terms; concepts; and even dramatic techniques in their writings.The Drama of Ideas mobilizes this double history of philosophical theater and theatrical philosophy to subject current habits of thought to critical scrutiny. In dialogue with contemporary thinkers such as Martha Nussbaum; Iris Murdoch; and Alain Badiou; Puchner formulates the contours of a "dramatic Platonism." This new Platonism does not seek to return to an idealist theory of forms; but it does point beyond the reigning philosophies of the body; of materialism and of cultural relativism.
#2785814 in eBooks 2010-02-25 2010-02-25File Name: B003AU7DD4
Review
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Inspiring!By M Fai"Smartcities and Eco-warriors " is an intelligent and imaginative publication on the use of agriculture in planning and urban architecture. in addition to improving food security. Well-researched and academically rigorous. this is a serious manifesto on sustainability. written in accessible language for a global audience. The beautiful illustrations present an optimistic vision for our future environment. High recommended for all!2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Beautifully intelligentBy RockPaperScissorsA great book showing that being eco / sustainable doesnt have to be boring or highly technical.Its refreshing to see the emphasis of social and agricultural sustainability being used to drive the design. This book is lavishly illustrated and has revolutionary concepts for each of the 12 urban design projects. A must read for any budding architect or master-planner!1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. beautiful. logical and imaginativeBy ADW"Smartcities and Eco-warriors" is certainly an exceptional read. Its initial manifesto states a clear ambition for the future of our cities with pledges based upon social and environmental concerns. Following the inspiring read. a series of imaginative and inventive projects propose innovative scenarios for the future of the "Smartcity". beautifully executed in both design and logic. Easily accessible and a must for any potential eco-warrior and eco-warriors alike!
