Summary:
The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance and enlightenment of Agamben's "contemporary" theory and the vision of civilizational redemption to contemporary literary studies. Firstly, Agamben's theory of "contemporaneity" is introduced, emphasizing the close connection between history and the contemporary, as well as the new ideas for literary research from the perspective of civilization redemption. Then, the challenges and transformation needs of the field of literature are analyzed, and the leading role of the vision of civilization redemption in literary creation and criticism is discussed.
I. Introduction
In contemporary society, the concepts of time and subject are increasingly being questioned and re-examined. The traditional concept of linear time can no longer fully meet people's needs for understanding historical and contemporary existence, and the traditional Juche theory has gradually revealed its limitations. In this context, Giorgio Agamben proposed the concept of "contemporaneity", an attempt to rethink and reconstruct time and subjectivity. He believes that we live in a complex era with multiple time systems, and we can rewrite the contemporary meaning and the subject's state of existence by re-examining these time systems.
Agamben's theory of "contemporaneity" is not only a subversion of the concept of time, but also a re-exploration of subjectivity. By breaking with the traditional linear notion of time, he allows us to see the possibilities that exist in the system of residual time and the redefinition of contemporary subjects. This emerging perspective of cultural criticism has triggered a new thinking on literature, art and cultural phenomena in the academic circles, and also provided a new perspective and framework for contemporary cultural criticism.
II. Agamben's "What Are Contemporaries?"
A. The concept of "contemporaneity" is proposed and interpreted in connotation
Agamben's concept of "contemporaneity" is a subversive challenge to the traditional concept of time, and he rethinks the relationship between time and subject from the perspective of philosophy and literature, trying to deconstruct the solidification of subjectivity and the unity of historical process under the linear concept of time. In Agamben's view, "contemporaneity" is no longer simply a reference to people in the same period, but a more profound state of being, a reimagining of subjectivity under the interweaving of multiple temporal dimensions. The introduction of this concept is not only an innovation of the concept of time, but also a new definition of subjectivity.
B. The dual construction of linear time and subject
Rewriting of the linear time system:
Agamben criticized the linearized treatment of time in modern society, arguing that this treatment ignores the diversity and complexity of time. He argues that time is not a simple linear sequence of past, present, and future, but a complex network intertwined with different historical textures and cultural memories. Therefore, "contemporaneity" is no longer simply defined by the timeline, but a kind of staggered coexistence that arises in the layers of history. This rewritten system of time provides us with a new way of perceiving history, allowing us to better understand the diversity and complexity of contemporary existence.
Redefinition of Contemporary Subject:
Under the traditional concept of linear time, the subject is often understood as passively playing a role in the historical process, and its identity and meaning are defined by the unity of history. However, Agamben's theory of "contemporaneity" shatters this fixed notion of subjectivity, arguing that each individual is a product of interweaving in multiple temporal dimensions, and that its identity and meaning should not be simply relegated to a certain historical period. Thus, the contemporary subject is no longer limited by historical uniqueness, but a free-flowing existence in multiple temporal systems. This redefined subjectivity gives the individual more autonomy and creativity, and also allows us to re-examine the status and role of the individual in the historical process.
III. The Civilizational Salvation Vision of the "Contemporaneous" Theory
A. Meaning and connotation analysis
The vision of civilizational salvation contained in Agamben's theory of "contemporaneity" is first embodied in the subversive challenge to the traditional concept of time and subjectivity. By reimagining the relationship between time and subjectivity, he calls for a re-examination of historical and contemporary complexities, rejecting the reduction of time into linear sequences and the fixation of the individual in a particular historical period. The significance of this vision lies in the fact that it opens the door to pluralistic civilizations and historical cognition, and brings a new way of historical perception and lifestyle to contemporary society. Specifically, its connotations include:
Rejecting a single historical perspective: The civilizational redemptive vision requires that people abandon the simplification and unique interpretation of history, and instead examine the historical process from the perspective of multiple civilizations. Agamben's theory of "contemporaneity" reminds us that history is an interweaving of civilizations, each with its own unique contributions and values, and should not be simply categorized or excluded. Therefore, to re-examine history means rejecting a single historical perspective and respecting the existence and contribution of diverse civilizations.
Redefining the historical status of contemporary subjects: Traditionally, individuals have often been seen as passive actors in the historical process, and their meaning and status are defined by the singularity of history. However, Agamben's theory of "contemporaneity" transforms the subject from a passive recipient of history to a creator and shaper of history. This redefinition of the contemporary subject means that each individual has the ability to participate in and change the course of history, not just the object shaped by history.
B. The way to construct the vision of civilizational salvation
Reopening the contemporary system of remaining time:
The construction of the vision of civilizational salvation first needs to reopen the contemporary system of remaining time, that is, to re-examine and excavate those marginalized or neglected historical and cultural resources. This includes the re-examination and excavation of traditional cultures, minority cultures, and forgotten historical events, as well as the emphasis on exchanges and interactions among diverse civilizations. By reopening the system of remaining time, we can understand the diversity of history and culture more comprehensively, and thus construct a richer and more complex vision of the redemption of civilizations.
Writing the Contemporary Subject in the Sacrifice of Linear Time:
The construction of the vision of civilization redemption also requires the writing of contemporary subjects in the sacrifice of linear time. This means moving away from a singular interpretation of linear time and re-examining the place and significance of contemporary subjects in the historical process. This includes an emphasis on the creativity and autonomy of the individual in the course of history, as well as recognition of the role and contribution of the individual in the exchange of civilizations. By writing about contemporary subjects in the sacrifice of linear time, we can redefine the status and meaning of the individual in the historical process, so as to construct a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of civilizational salvation.
In practice, in order to build a vision of civilization redemption, it is necessary to continuously promote in-depth research and exploration of history and culture, strengthen the exchange and interaction of multiple civilizations, and cultivate an inclusive and open civilization concept and way of life.
IV. The Theoretical Vitality and Effectiveness of Contemporary Literary Criticism
A. The Current Situation and Challenges of Contemporary Literary Criticism
At present, contemporary literary criticism is facing many challenges, which are mainly manifested in the following aspects:
Theoretical divergence and fragmentation: In the field of contemporary literary criticism, there are various theoretical schools and viewpoints, and the phenomenon of theoretical divergence and fragmentation is more prominent. The controversy and opposition between different theories make the theoretical system of literary criticism seem disorganized, and it is difficult to form a unified theoretical framework and conceptual system.
Diversity of Literary and Artistic Works and Difficulty in Value Judgment: With the development of globalization and informatization, the types and quantities of literary and artistic works have shown an explosive growth trend, and various literary and artistic forms and styles have emerged one after another. In this context, how to accurately evaluate and judge the value of literary and artistic works has become an urgent problem to be solved, and the traditional evaluation standards and methods are becoming more and more difficult to adapt to the diversity and complexity of contemporary literature and art.
Imbalance in critical discourse: In the digital age, the rise of the Internet and social media has made the platforms for critical discourse more diversified and decentralized, and the status and influence of traditional literary and art criticism institutions and experts have been challenged. At the same time, there is also the problem of uneven quality of popular literary and art criticism and online evaluation, which leads to the imbalance and confusion of critical discourse.
B. Enlightenment and application prospects of the "contemporaneous" theory
Stimulation of theoretical vitality
Agamben's theory of "contemporaneity" has injected new theoretical vitality into contemporary literary criticism. This theory challenges the traditional concept of time and subjectivity, advocates a re-examination and understanding of history and contemporary, and provides a new way of thinking and perspective for literary and art criticism. By examining literary and artistic works in the context of multiple civilizations and historical exchanges, the theory of "contemporaneity" stimulates multiple interpretations and understandings of literary and artistic works, and provides new impetus and enlightenment for the innovation and development of critical theory.
Expansion of theoretical efficacy
The enlightenment of the theory of "contemporaneity" also provides new application prospects for the practice of literary criticism. In terms of the evaluation and value judgment of literary and artistic works, we can draw on the multi-civilization perspective of the "contemporary" theory, reject a single criterion, and conduct a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis and evaluation of literary and artistic works from the perspective of multicultural and historical exchanges. At the same time, the theory of "contemporaneity" also reminds us to pay attention to the historical status and role of contemporary subjects, expand the scope and channels of critical discourse, and advocate a pluralistic and democratic system of literary and artistic criticism.
V. The Influence of the Perspective of Civilization Redemption on the Literary Field
A. Practical challenges and transformation needs of the literary field
At present, the literary field is facing many challenges and transformation needs, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Market-oriented pressure and imbalance of value orientation: With the development of market economy, literary works are gradually affected by market demand and commercial interests, resulting in an imbalance in the value orientation of literary creation. A large number of literary works with obvious commercialization tendencies have emerged, while excellent works with depth and connotation are relatively rare, which makes literary creation face the problems of marketization pressure and commercialization tendency.
Deterioration of the Literary Ecological Environment and the Dilemma of Traditional Publishing: In the digital era, the traditional literary publishing model is facing huge challenges, with declining sales of printed books and the closure of offline bookstores becoming the norm. At the same time, the rise of the Internet and self-media platforms has made the channels of literary creation and dissemination more diversified and decentralized, and the traditional literary ecological environment has encountered severe challenges.
Theoretical lag and ideological fragmentation of literary criticism: In the field of literary criticism, there is a phenomenon of theoretical lag and ideological fragmentation, and the traditional methods and paradigms of literary criticism have been difficult to adapt to the diversity and complexity of contemporary literature. At the same time, there is mutual exclusion and opposition between some schools of critical theory, which makes the theoretical system of literary criticism appear chaotic and difficult to form a unified theoretical framework and conceptual system.
B. Theoretical Guidance and Practical Path from the Perspective of Civilization Redemption
New ideas and practical methods of literary creation
The vision of the redemption of civilization provides new ideas and practical methods for literary creation. In literary creation, we can explore the emotions and emotions of human beings, as well as hopes and visions for the future by paying attention to the development and destiny of human civilization. By depicting the glorious history and splendid culture of human civilization, we call on people to cherish and inherit the precious heritage of human civilization and jointly build a bright future for a community with a shared future for mankind.
New paradigms and research topics in literary criticism
The vision of civilizational salvation also provides a new paradigm and research topic for literary criticism. In the field of literary criticism, we can draw on the theoretical viewpoint of civilization redemption, pay attention to the human emotions and values conveyed by literary works, and explore the significance and influence of literary works on the development of human civilization. At the same time, from the perspective of cross-cultural communication and dialogue among civilizations, we can also compare the literary works of different cultures and civilizations, and explore the significance and value of literary works in the context of globalization.
VI. Conclusion
Through the analysis and discussion of Agamben's "contemporary" theory and the vision of civilization redemption, we can draw the following conclusions and inductions:
Expansion and Deepening of Theoretical Horizons: Agamben's "contemporary" theory emphasizes the close connection between history and the contemporary, proposes a new vision of civilization redemption, and provides a new theoretical paradigm for contemporary literary research. Starting from the development and destiny of human civilization, the vision of civilization redemption explores the emotions and values conveyed by literary works, which provides new ideas and methods for literary research.
Practical Challenges and Transformation Needs of the Literary Field: At present, the literary field is facing many challenges and transformation needs, which are mainly reflected in the imbalance of marketization pressure and value orientation, the deterioration of the literary ecological environment and the dilemma of traditional publishing, and the theoretical lag and ideological fragmentation of literary criticism. The vision of civilization redemption provides a new way of thinking and practice for the development of the literary field.
Theoretical Guidance and Practical Path of the Visions of Civilizational Redemption: The Visions of Civilizational Redemption provide a new paradigm and research topic for literary creation and criticism. In terms of literary creation, we can pay attention to the development and destiny of human civilization, tap the goodness and beauty in the hearts of human beings, and call on people to cherish and inherit the precious heritage of human civilization; In terms of literary criticism, we can draw on the theoretical viewpoint of civilization redemption, pay attention to the human emotions and values conveyed by literary works, and explore the significance and influence of literary works on the development of human civilization.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Contemporaneity: A Cultural Analysis
Aesthetic Irony and Civilizational Redemption: The Rupture and Search for Modern Culture
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