Presented by Prof Derek Attridge (York) & Jurate Levina (Vilnius)

In its many varieties developed alongside and against Edmund Husserl, phenomenology defines itself as an effort of figuring out the operative mechanism of epistemological discourse. An examination of Derek Attridge’s The Singularity of Literature (2004) and The Work of literature (2014) from this perspective shows these notions embedded in two competing – and in some respects incompatible – sets of premises: Attridge carries out his critique of essentialist views on literature, culture, and subjectivity in terms of post-structuralist deconstructive critical discourse; but the notion of singularity this critique uncovers as the definitive characteristic of literary discourse emerges as, precisely, a phenomenological essence. Jūratė Levina will elaborate on these points and their implications to give the floor to Derek Attridge’s response and further discussion with the audience.

This is a free event and open to all, registration is not required.