Proust – Philosophie als ästhetische Praxis

The philosophical reading of Proust’s Recherche presented here suggests Proust’s aesthetic method as a model for philosophy (as an aesthetic practice). The term “aesthetic” refers to the constitutive role of sensation, perception, and sensuality for the practice of philosophising. In Proust’s peculiar descriptions a specific form of “sentient thinking” (empfindendes Denken) takes shape. This thinking is characterised by the entanglement of the particular as detailed description and the general as theoretical reflection. With reference to Proust, the philosophical practice of describing is developed into a central element of philosophy as aesthetic practice.