Joy : a phenomenological and aesthetic view

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Delores D. Liston (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Fritz Mengert

Abstract: The word Joy, as represented in common language, falls short of its original meaning or logos. Having been steeped in contemporary Western culture, Joy has been weakened and trivialized. I use the term Joy to refer to a powerful way of coming to sense phenomena, in which and through which broad interpretations of our worlds become possible. Nondualistic Joy bridges the Cartesian distinctions between matter and spirit, body and mind, and therefore, cannot be 'captured' through dualistic interpretations. I do not seek to create an entirely new sense for the word 'Joy.' Rather, I seek to re-create its original and ontological Greek meaning; its logos and world-making power. My understanding of Joy grows out of related concepts in Buddhist, Hindu and Western traditions, especially the work of Martin Buber and Martin Heidegger. In part due to this, the relationship of aesthetics (both body and spirit), mystery, and phenomenological consciousness form the matrix for my exploration of Joy. I have chosen to conduct my exploration through poetic-thought. This viewpoint allows me to explore Joy in relation to human consciousness.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1994
Subjects
Joy
Dualism
Metaphor $x Religious aspects

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