Summary:
This paper explores the French philosopher Deleuze's theory of sensation, starting from his turn to Kant and Plato, and analyzes the position and value of sensation in his philosophical system. Deleuze centers on the senses as an important force for knowledge production and social change, challenging the absoluteness of ideas in traditional philosophy, emphasizing the importance of the sensual and the physical. This article will explore the significance and influence of sensation in modern philosophical thought by comparing and analyzing Deleuze's theory of sensation with the theoretical perspectives of Kant and Plato.
I. Introduction
Deleuze's theory of sensation is an important intellectual achievement in modern philosophy, which profoundly explores the relationship between sensibility and ideas, and makes a subversive rethinking of traditional philosophical concepts. This dissertation aims to provide an in-depth study of Deleuze's theory of the senses, from Kant to Plato's turn of thought, and to reveal its significance in modern philosophy.
First of all, Deleuze's theory of sensation is based on Kant's transcendental theory of ideas, but it breaks through Kant's framework and proposes a completely new perspective and theoretical system. Kant's principle of the intensity of sensation provides important implications for Deleuze's theory, enabling Deleuze to delve into the nature and characteristics of perceptual experience. Through the reinterpretation of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason and Critique of Judgment, Deleuze was able to construct his own unique theory of sensation, thus opening up a new exploration of sensibility and ideas.
Second, Deleuze's theory of sensation contrasts sharply with Plato's theory of ideas. The traditional Platonic theory of ideas emphasizes the transcendence and universality of ideas, while Deleuze emphasizes the diversity and individuality of perceptual experience. Through the comparative analysis of the two theories, we can not only deeply understand Deleuze's theoretical views, but also get a glimpse of the reflection and transcendence of traditional concepts in modern philosophy.
II. Kant's Theory of Sensation and Transcendental Ideas
A. Kant's principle of the intensity of the senses
In Kant's theory of sensation, the principle of the intensity of sensation is one of the important parts of his thought. Kant believed that sensation is not only the direct connection between the subject and the object, but also the direct reflection and expression of the subject to the object. However, Kant pointed out that the intensity of sensation is not simply determined by the properties of the object, but by the subject's perceptual capacity and cognitive structure. In the Critique of Judgment, Kant put forward the view that "the intensity of sensation depends on the degree of effect of the perceived object on the subject", emphasizing the active role of the subject in the process of perception and the importance of subjective factors.
Kant's principle of the intensity of sensation had a profound influence on Deleuze's theory of sensation. In his theory of sensations, Deleuze inherited and developed Kant's ideas to further emphasize the diversity and individuality of sensations. According to Deleuze, sensation is not only a passive response to the objective world, but also a product of the subject's activity, an interaction and communication between the subject and the object. Therefore, Deleuze emphasized the activity and creativity of sensation in his theory of sensation, advocating the exploration of the world through sensation, rather than simply passively accepting external stimuli.
B. The framework of Kant's transcendental theory of ideas
Kant's transcendental theory of ideas is an important part of his theory of sensation, the core of which lies in the belief that human beings have a priori cognitive structures that determine the way humans perceive and understand the world. In the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant proposes a priori concepts of time and space, categories, and formal judgments, which form the basic framework of human cognition. Kant believed that these transcendental ideas are universally shared by human beings, are the essential attributes of human reason, and are therefore universal and inevitable.
Deleuze critiques and transcends Kant's transcendental theory of ideas. Deleuze argues that Kant's transcendental theory of ideas is too rigid and abstract, ignoring the diversity and individuality of perceptual experience. In Deleuze and Classical Rationalism, Deleuze pointed out that Kant's transcendental theory of ideas confined human reason to fixed categories and forms, ignoring the dynamism and creativity of perceptual experience. Therefore, Deleuze advocated a critique and rethinking of Kant's transcendental theory of ideas, and proposed a new theory of sensations, emphasizing the diversity and individuality of perceptual experience.
C. Kant's exploration of the relationship between sensibility and ideas
In the Critique of Judgment, Kant made an in-depth exploration of the relationship between sensibility and ideas, and put forward the famous concept of "synthetic synthesis". Kant believed that perceptual experience and ideas are interdependent and intertwined, and together they constitute human knowledge and understanding of the world. Perceptual experience provides objective material, while ideas give meaning and value to experience. Therefore, Kant emphasized the complementary and complementary relationship between sensibility and ideas, and advocated the explanation and understanding of perceptual experience through rational thinking.
Deleuze further developed and deepened Kant's relationship between sensibility and ideas. Deleuze argues that perceptual experience and ideas are not simply opposites, but penetrate and interact with each other. In Sensation and Fact, Deleuze argues that perceptual experience is an extension and complement to ideas, which provide a framework and explanation for perceptual experience. Therefore, Deleuze emphasizes the close connection and interaction between sensibility and ideas, and advocates the exploration and development of ideas through perceptual experience.
III. Deleuze's critique and breakthrough of Kant's theory of sensation
A. Enlightenment of Kant's principle of sensory intensity
Kant's principle of the intensity of sensations, emphasizing the subjective element of sensation and the activity of the subject, has had a profound impact on Deleuze's theory of sensation. Inspired by Kant, Deleuze further emphasized the diversity and individuality of sensations, proposing concepts such as "politicization of sensations" and "creativity of sensations".
First of all, Deleuze emphasized the politicization of sensation in his theory of sensation, that is, sensation is closely related to power and social relations. He argues that feelings do not exist objectively, but are a product of a social and cultural context, influenced by power structures and social ideologies. Therefore, feeling is not only the subjective experience of the individual, but also the expression and reflection of social power. Through his analysis of the politicization of sensation, Deleuze reveals the relationship between sensation and power, identity, body, etc., and provides a new perspective and method for the social critique of sensation theory.
Second, Deleuze emphasizes the creativity and variability of feelings. Inspired by Kant's principle of sensory intensity, Deleuze argues that sensation is not a passive response to external stimuli, but a product of the subject's activity, an interaction and communication between the individual and the environment. As a result, there is diversity and variability in the senses, and the sensory experiences may vary greatly from individual to individual and from different cultural contexts. Through the analysis of the creativity and variability of sensations, Deleuze expands the research field of sensation theory and provides new ideas and methods for interdisciplinary research.
B. Deleuze's challenge to Kant's transcendental theory of ideas
Kant's transcendental theory of ideas emphasizes the cognitive structure that is universally shared by human beings, but Deleuze challenges and critiques it, proposing the concepts of "pluralism of sensations" and "fluidity of ideas".
First, Deleuze challenged the assumption of universality in Kant's transcendental theory of ideas. He argues that Kant's transcendental theory of ideas is too abstract and rational, ignoring the diversity and individuality of perceptual experience. Deleuze pointed out that human beings with different individuals and different cultural backgrounds have different cognitive structures and ways of cognition, and there is no universal shared transcendental idea. Therefore, Deleuze advocates understanding the diversity and individuality of human cognition through the study of perceptual experience, which provides new ideas and methods for the cultural critique of sensation theory.
Second, Deleuze emphasizes the fluidity and variability of ideas. Inspired by Kant's transcendental theory of ideas, Deleuze argues that ideas are not fixed and unchanging, but change with time and space. He pointed out that ideas are products of social and historical contexts, influenced by power structures, social ideologies, and other factors. As a result, ideas are fluid and changeable, and ideas may be very different in different societies and at different historical stages. Through the analysis of the fluidity and change of ideas, Deleuze put forward the concept of "anti-power", and advocated deconstructing the solidification and rigidity of ideas through the critique of power structures and social ideologies.
C. The impact of the Critique of Judgment on Deleuze
Kant's Critique of Judgment had a profound impact on Deleuze, prompting him to further reflect on and develop the theory of sensation.
First of all, Kant's Critique of Judgment put forward the principle of sensory intensity and the transcendental conceptual framework, which provided important theoretical inspiration and reference for Deleuze. On the basis of Kant, Deleuze further emphasized the diversity and individuality of feelings, and put forward the concepts of politicization and creativity of feelings, which provided new ideas and methods for the development and deepening of feeling theory.
Second, Kant's Critique of Judgment had an important influence on Deleuze's thought. Deleuze deeply studied Kant's theory of sensation, absorbed and borrowed his ideas, but at the same time criticized and transcended it, put forward a completely new theory of sensation, and made important contributions to the development and progress of modern philosophy.
IV. The construction of sensory theory and the communication of sensibility and ideas
A. Basic concepts of Deleuze's theory of sensation
Deleuze's theory of sensation is known for its focus on the diversity of sensations, politicization, and creativity. In Deleuze's view, sensation is not a simple sensory input, but a complex phenomenon closely related to factors such as power, social relations, and identity. His theory of sensation argues that sensation is viewed as an affect or agency, rather than as a passive response to external stimuli. Deleuze emphasized the diversity of sensations, arguing that people may respond very differently to the same sensory input in different social and cultural contexts.
B. Exploring the relationship between sensibility and ideas
Deleuze delved into the relationship between sensibility and ideas, proposing the concept of "feeling-idea continuity". He believes that sensibility and ideas are not two separate realms, but are intertwined and conditioned by each other. In sensory theory, sensibility is seen as a direct response to external stimuli, while ideas are the interpretation and organization of perceptual experience.
However, Deleuze emphasizes that sensibility is not simply passive receiving, but a process of activity full of agency. There is a continuity between sensibility and ideas, that is, perceptual experience can trigger the generation of ideas, and the formation of ideas will also affect the expression of sensibility. This continuity makes the relationship between sensibility and idea more complex and dynamic, expanding our understanding of cognitive processes.
C. The development trajectory and theoretical connotation of sensory theory
Deleuze's theory of sensation has undergone several stages of evolution in his research career, from the early critique of Kant's principle of the intensity of sensation to the later absorption and extension of the ideas of Nietzsche, Bergson, and others. In the process, Deleuze gradually developed his own unique theory of sensation and applied it to the analysis of social, political, cultural and other fields.
He not only focuses on the individuality and diversity of feelings, but also sees feelings as expressions and reflections of social power, which leads to in-depth thinking about issues such as power, identity, and the body. Deleuze's theory of sensation has not only had a profound impact on philosophy and cultural theory, but also provided new ideas and methods for interdisciplinary research.
V. Deleuze's theory of sensation versus Plato's theory of ideas
A. The basic ideas of Plato's theory of ideas
Plato's theory of ideas holds that truth resides in the Idea, and that the Idea is an eternal, perfect, and unchanging entity that transcends the sensible world. In Plato's theory, ideas are templates and archetypes of the real world, and everything in the material world is an imitation or participation of ideas. Plato divided ideas into metaphysical ideas and ethical ideas, the former guiding the operation and development of the material world, and the latter guiding the moral behavior and social order of human beings.
B. Similarities and differences between Deleuze's theory of sensation and Plato's theory of ideas
The relationship between sensibility and ideas:
Plato's Theory of Ideas: Plato saw the sensual world as a shadow or participation of ideas, and believed that everything in the sensual world was an imitation of ideas. The changes and diversity of the perceptual world are only temporary reflections of ideas.
Deleuze Theory of Sensation: Deleuze emphasizes the activity and diversity of sensibility, arguing that perceptual experience is not a simple imitation of ideas, but has its own agency and creativity. There is a continuity between sensibility and ideas, perceptual experience can trigger the generation of ideas, and the formation of ideas will also affect the expression of sensibility.
Characteristics of the concept:
Plato's Idea: Plato's idea is an eternal entity that transcends time and space, with perfect and unchanging properties. They are real-world truths and ultimate goals.
Deleuze Theory of Sensation: Deleuze's sensation does not possess the eternity and perfection of Plato's idea, but is a dynamic practice that is closely linked to social, power, physical and other factors. Feeling is a product of the times and cultures, with relativity and diversity.
C. The modern philosophical significance of "flipping Platonism".
"Flipping Platonism" is a modern philosophical movement that attempts to challenge and subvert traditional Platonic ideas of ideas, emphasizing the importance of sensibility, body, and practice. This movement found its theoretical and practical basis in Deleuze's theory of sensation.
Critique of the abstractness of ideas: "Flipping Platonism" criticizes the abstraction of Plato's ideas and their tendency to detach from practice, arguing that ideas should be connected to concrete perceptual experience and social practice.
Emphasizing the role of the sensual and the body: This movement emphasizes the importance of the sensual and the physical, arguing that the senses and bodily experiences are the key to understanding the world and shaping one's identity. Deleuze's theory of sensation provides theoretical support for this view through the politicization and socialization of sensibility.
Against the hegemony of ideas: "Flipping Platonism" opposes the hegemony of ideas and advocates knowledge production and social change centered on sensibility, experience, and practice. This is closely related to the emphasis on sensibility and the critique of power relations in Deleuze's theory of sensation.
VI. Conclusion
In this article, we explore the development of Deleuze's theory of sensation and its place in philosophical thought, focusing on the connections and differences between it and the theoretical views of Kant and Plato. We find that Deleuze's theory of sensation both inherits Kant's subjective turn and challenges Plato's conceptualistic view by placing perceptual experience at the center of philosophical concerns. Through the politicization and socialization of sensations, Deleuze attempts to deconstruct the absoluteness of ideas in modern philosophy and proposes a possible path of knowledge production and social change based on sensibility, body, and practice.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Buchanan, Ian. A Deleuzian Century? Duke University Press, 2018.
Protevi, John. Political Affect: Connecting the Social and the Somatic. University of Minnesota Press, 2009.
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