Philosophy of Religion

[stacer]

Pretty much. But it does it with a lot of thought behind it. The theory is that a text is basically created anew each time a different person reads it, and each time someone reads it again, based on their context (mood, the knowledge they bring to the book, etc.).

I really like reader response, and most of my classes (except lit crit) are pretty much conducted in a reader response-laissez-faire mode, in which as long as you have something worthwhile to say about a text, your response to a text is valid (i.e., it's not just an "I like what I like" school of thought).

A problem with RR is that it ignores author intent and historical context, however. It ignores the givens of a particular book--though you can interpret some things with a certain amount of leeway, there may be other things that just are what they are.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

yeah, that pretty sums up my complaints. Yes, I do think there is something different from each reading, and I know that the theory has thought behind it. I just find the final conclusions not entirely trustworthy

[fuzzyoctopus]

See, but supposedly in post-modernism, the author is dead.  (at least that's what I've been taught) and any ideas of 'intent' on the author's part is a complete fallacy.

Actually I would argue that a lot of authors write books to be interpreted slightly differently by each reader.

I'm not saying it's perfect, I'm just saying that it makes a lot more sense to me than most books.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

I already pointed out that I think each reader has a different expereince with the text. I don't think that makes each reading such a vastly different text. And while it is manifestly impossible to know the writer's exact intent, even if you can interview him, and while there are elements that the writer never intended in nearly every work, it does not mean that his intention is completely irrelevant. That's another idea I reject from critical theory.

[Maxwell]

I hate the arguement on wether or not god exists, because it's is an impossible question to answer and i for dont really care wether or not it exists but believing in a god makes me feel better, so i do it, i dont live my life by religious teachings but i do believe in gods and this gives me comfort, i dont try to make others believe, i dont pitty them for being un-inlightened i just do my thing, so i guess what i'm saying is the best answer to the arguement(in my opinion) is do what makes you happy.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

Well, it's not impossible to answer. But it does appear that it is impossible to conclude a logical argument with a definite side.

The question, really, in doing what makes one happy, is whether one knows what will make one happy, or if one is just tempted by choices that appear initially appealing.

[Maxwell]

That is an excellent point, but I like ussually tend not to think of because it depresses me, but it is a wiser choice on certain occasions, like wether or not to do momework etc. man i hate homework.

[JP Dogberry]

Then do it, and you won't have any homework left.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

once, when I was going through a very depressed stage of my adolescence, my friend pointed out that I should do my homework. I wasn't enjoying myself anyway, and when I finally finished bying depressed, I'd have less of a burden on me and I'd be happier. In fact, the doing of the homework itself would give me a feeling of accomplishment and help.

Naturally I didn't take this advice. I was 17 and refused to be responsible. But I still think it's a good idea. Doing homework will help you more than not doing homework will.

[Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock]

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

I find that picture amusing, but would have been better placed immediately after I had posted one of my more verbose diatribes.

[Maxwell]

you aer absolutely right about the doing of the homework i have better days when i do do it rather than when i dont, buti still say hard work and determintation always pays off over time, but lazyness always pays off now.