John D . Minto | University of Dundee (original) (raw)

Papers by John D . Minto

the course of my PhD studies, without whom this thesis and degree would have never been completed... more the course of my PhD studies, without whom this thesis and degree would have never been completed. In the course of my research, I have also been greatly supported by Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the University of Dundee. I would also like to thank The William Morris Society, The Emery Walker Trust, and those at Red House for affording me the opportunity to showcase my work and learn about the invaluable work of these organisations. To meet fellow Morris enthusiasts, with your quite wonderful hospitality, while sipping wine in the garden of Emery Walker's House, during a thunderstorm, nonetheless, is something I will certainly never forget. I must also extend thanks to my supervisory team, Dr Jodi-Anne George, Dr Dominic Smith, and Prof Tim Croudace, whose expert knowledge and guidance has been invaluable throughout. I am also grateful to my father-in-law, David, for taking the time to pour over my musings to proofread and correct, with his extraordinary pedantry, the whole of this thesis. I am especially grateful to Jo for having the faith in me to achieve something that I never thought possible until the last, your nurtured approach and inspired supervision was without a doubt beneficial to my individual well-being, health and happiness. Above all, I dedicate this work to my lovely wife, Lara, who has not only afforded constant encouragement and reassurance, and moments of respite and joy, but also the drive and inspiration to further myself to carve out a place for us in the world. (To the cats, Barty and Newt, also, whose anxiety ridding cuddles were essential). v Abbreviations

1834 -1896) was a man born of experience. A remarkable polymath, who lived through to the latter ... more 1834 -1896) was a man born of experience. A remarkable polymath, who lived through to the latter half of the nineteenth century, he approached all that he did with a vigour and enthusiasm unparalleled by anyone in his day. 1 Central to all that he achieved was an aesthetic appreciation of society (Appendix A), which comprehended the creative arts to be the bedrock of any harmonious and fruitful body politic. Throughout his life he tirelessly campaigned against the "prevailing ugliness" of modern civilization, which, he believed, to be facilitated by the industrial revolution and the consequent emergence of capitalist ideology. His goal was profound: to emancipate humanity for this limiting and oppressive ideological constraint, which, he believed, would act to ensure that the inherent beauty of nature permeated through all that humanity created. 2 His unique and avant-garde political aesthetic stood in stark contrast to the analytical and systematic thought of the Victorian era, preferring an alternative, more "immediate and concrete," means of interacting with the world around him, his beliefs and values developed to have a distinct existential flavour. 3

This essay will argue, that in light of a Heidegarian existential ethic, the branding of Joseph C... more This essay will argue, that in light of a Heidegarian existential ethic, the branding of Joseph Conrad as a racist by Chinua Achebe is entirely without foundation. In section one, I will present a brief history of the rise and fall of ethics within literary criticism, and pave the way for a viable existential approach to literary theory. In section two, I will develop a Heideggarian existential ethic, based on his magnum opus 'Being and Time', which will construct the concept of authenticity as a viable way of Being-ethical-in-the-world. In section three, I will apply this existential ethic to Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and look to counter the claim made by Achebe that Conrad is a "bloody racist".

This essay will assert that despite the falsifiable nature of the 'idea of progress' intellection... more This essay will assert that despite the falsifiable nature of the 'idea of progress' intellection, theoretical debate within the field of international relations, based upon this intellection, remains to be a necessary facet of contemporary scholarly debate. In section one, I will introduce the philosophic work of Immanuel Kant and discus the historical coming to-be of the 'idea of progress', in doing so I will call into question our commonsensical, linear, and progressive comprehension of time. In section two, I will provide an overview of Kant's 'two ideas of progress' that serve as the basis for his famous 'perpetual peace' intellection. In section three, I will present a contrary conception of history via the philosophical project of Martin Heidegger with a view for comparison in the concluding section. To conclude, I will show that although our liner and progressive understanding of history can be shown to be falsifiable, it would be naive to dismiss the relevance of such theorisation within the field of international relations.

This project will investigate the critical relation that different human comprehensions of nature... more This project will investigate the critical relation that different human comprehensions of nature have to technological progress in relation to being. To open, I will introduce the topic at hand and highlight the problematic and contradictory ways in which we perceive of nature today. In section two, I will discuss Martin Heidegger's 'history of being' and chart the genesis of our dualist comprehension of reality, with a view towards the opening up of a space in which real thoughtfulness can occur. In section three, I will undertake a critical and dialogical investigation of Heidegger's philosophy of technology with an aim towards revitalizing a particular mode of thought that will facilitate the return of responsibility and care with regards the development of human culture and society. Further, I will critically examine the phenomenon of technological enframing and emphasise the importance of understanding the ways in which our comprehensions of being facilitate our human thoughts and actions. To conclude I will discuss alternative approaches to contemporary environmental crisis and put forward the notion of tragedy as a new beginning.

This essay will investigate the moral and virtuous character of the political treatises as set fo... more This essay will investigate the moral and virtuous character of the political treatises as set forth by Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War) and Niccolò Machiavelli (The Prince). I will assert that contrary to contemporary opinion these highly rhetorical and theoretical works aim at a creative re-evaluation of morality, which in didactic fashion provides the reader with a highly ethical and virtuous guide to political life. In section one, I will discuss the notions of necessity (anagke) and excellence/virtue (arête) as presented by Thucydides, and will put forward an interpretation that portrays the work as guide to would-be state-leaders, enabling them to offset the inevitability of war. In section two, I will discuss Machiavelli's princely Virtù, and interpret it in such a way as to highlight the virtuous nature of this fundamental concept. To conclude, I will, with reference to Friedrich Nietzsche's 'Grand Politics of Virtue', discuss the previously mentioned text through a Nietzschean lens, and show how their virtuous character contributed to his utopian political aesthetic.

This essay will provide an analytical ecocritical examination of William Morris"s News from Nowhe... more This essay will provide an analytical ecocritical examination of William Morris"s News from Nowhere as understood in relation to Martin Heidegger"s Building, Dwelling, Thinking. I will argue that both thinkers express a deep concern relating to the predominant scientific worldview as espoused within modernity, and in response they emphasize the importance of recognising the historical transition of thought towards the mechanistic comprehension of reality we have today.

the course of my PhD studies, without whom this thesis and degree would have never been completed... more the course of my PhD studies, without whom this thesis and degree would have never been completed. In the course of my research, I have also been greatly supported by Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the University of Dundee. I would also like to thank The William Morris Society, The Emery Walker Trust, and those at Red House for affording me the opportunity to showcase my work and learn about the invaluable work of these organisations. To meet fellow Morris enthusiasts, with your quite wonderful hospitality, while sipping wine in the garden of Emery Walker's House, during a thunderstorm, nonetheless, is something I will certainly never forget. I must also extend thanks to my supervisory team, Dr Jodi-Anne George, Dr Dominic Smith, and Prof Tim Croudace, whose expert knowledge and guidance has been invaluable throughout. I am also grateful to my father-in-law, David, for taking the time to pour over my musings to proofread and correct, with his extraordinary pedantry, the whole of this thesis. I am especially grateful to Jo for having the faith in me to achieve something that I never thought possible until the last, your nurtured approach and inspired supervision was without a doubt beneficial to my individual well-being, health and happiness. Above all, I dedicate this work to my lovely wife, Lara, who has not only afforded constant encouragement and reassurance, and moments of respite and joy, but also the drive and inspiration to further myself to carve out a place for us in the world. (To the cats, Barty and Newt, also, whose anxiety ridding cuddles were essential). v Abbreviations

1834 -1896) was a man born of experience. A remarkable polymath, who lived through to the latter ... more 1834 -1896) was a man born of experience. A remarkable polymath, who lived through to the latter half of the nineteenth century, he approached all that he did with a vigour and enthusiasm unparalleled by anyone in his day. 1 Central to all that he achieved was an aesthetic appreciation of society (Appendix A), which comprehended the creative arts to be the bedrock of any harmonious and fruitful body politic. Throughout his life he tirelessly campaigned against the "prevailing ugliness" of modern civilization, which, he believed, to be facilitated by the industrial revolution and the consequent emergence of capitalist ideology. His goal was profound: to emancipate humanity for this limiting and oppressive ideological constraint, which, he believed, would act to ensure that the inherent beauty of nature permeated through all that humanity created. 2 His unique and avant-garde political aesthetic stood in stark contrast to the analytical and systematic thought of the Victorian era, preferring an alternative, more "immediate and concrete," means of interacting with the world around him, his beliefs and values developed to have a distinct existential flavour. 3

This essay will argue, that in light of a Heidegarian existential ethic, the branding of Joseph C... more This essay will argue, that in light of a Heidegarian existential ethic, the branding of Joseph Conrad as a racist by Chinua Achebe is entirely without foundation. In section one, I will present a brief history of the rise and fall of ethics within literary criticism, and pave the way for a viable existential approach to literary theory. In section two, I will develop a Heideggarian existential ethic, based on his magnum opus 'Being and Time', which will construct the concept of authenticity as a viable way of Being-ethical-in-the-world. In section three, I will apply this existential ethic to Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and look to counter the claim made by Achebe that Conrad is a "bloody racist".

This essay will assert that despite the falsifiable nature of the 'idea of progress' intellection... more This essay will assert that despite the falsifiable nature of the 'idea of progress' intellection, theoretical debate within the field of international relations, based upon this intellection, remains to be a necessary facet of contemporary scholarly debate. In section one, I will introduce the philosophic work of Immanuel Kant and discus the historical coming to-be of the 'idea of progress', in doing so I will call into question our commonsensical, linear, and progressive comprehension of time. In section two, I will provide an overview of Kant's 'two ideas of progress' that serve as the basis for his famous 'perpetual peace' intellection. In section three, I will present a contrary conception of history via the philosophical project of Martin Heidegger with a view for comparison in the concluding section. To conclude, I will show that although our liner and progressive understanding of history can be shown to be falsifiable, it would be naive to dismiss the relevance of such theorisation within the field of international relations.

This project will investigate the critical relation that different human comprehensions of nature... more This project will investigate the critical relation that different human comprehensions of nature have to technological progress in relation to being. To open, I will introduce the topic at hand and highlight the problematic and contradictory ways in which we perceive of nature today. In section two, I will discuss Martin Heidegger's 'history of being' and chart the genesis of our dualist comprehension of reality, with a view towards the opening up of a space in which real thoughtfulness can occur. In section three, I will undertake a critical and dialogical investigation of Heidegger's philosophy of technology with an aim towards revitalizing a particular mode of thought that will facilitate the return of responsibility and care with regards the development of human culture and society. Further, I will critically examine the phenomenon of technological enframing and emphasise the importance of understanding the ways in which our comprehensions of being facilitate our human thoughts and actions. To conclude I will discuss alternative approaches to contemporary environmental crisis and put forward the notion of tragedy as a new beginning.

This essay will investigate the moral and virtuous character of the political treatises as set fo... more This essay will investigate the moral and virtuous character of the political treatises as set forth by Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War) and Niccolò Machiavelli (The Prince). I will assert that contrary to contemporary opinion these highly rhetorical and theoretical works aim at a creative re-evaluation of morality, which in didactic fashion provides the reader with a highly ethical and virtuous guide to political life. In section one, I will discuss the notions of necessity (anagke) and excellence/virtue (arête) as presented by Thucydides, and will put forward an interpretation that portrays the work as guide to would-be state-leaders, enabling them to offset the inevitability of war. In section two, I will discuss Machiavelli's princely Virtù, and interpret it in such a way as to highlight the virtuous nature of this fundamental concept. To conclude, I will, with reference to Friedrich Nietzsche's 'Grand Politics of Virtue', discuss the previously mentioned text through a Nietzschean lens, and show how their virtuous character contributed to his utopian political aesthetic.

This essay will provide an analytical ecocritical examination of William Morris"s News from Nowhe... more This essay will provide an analytical ecocritical examination of William Morris"s News from Nowhere as understood in relation to Martin Heidegger"s Building, Dwelling, Thinking. I will argue that both thinkers express a deep concern relating to the predominant scientific worldview as espoused within modernity, and in response they emphasize the importance of recognising the historical transition of thought towards the mechanistic comprehension of reality we have today.