El origen de la literatura: ¿cómo y por qué nació la literatura?

Genealogy of Literature: Origins and Concepts

Introduction to the Session

• The session will discuss the genealogy of literature, focusing on fundamental premises that will be explored today and in the following week.

• Today's focus is on the origins, conception, and genres of literature; next week's session will cover structural developments related to these themes.

Key Thesis Statements

• One central thesis is that "the birth of literature equates to the death of God," a concept that will be emphasized throughout the discussion.

• Another point raised is that German idealism serves as an "ark" attempting to preserve ancient illusions for contemporary society. This idea will be revisited during the exposition.

• Literature has historically been at the forefront of rationalist revolutions, not lagging behind but leading them instead. This highlights its influential role in societal change.

Interconnections Between Literature and Reason

• The relationship between literature and reason is likened to love and money; they are always intertwined yet seldom acknowledged openly.

• Culture within society often represents a secularization of religion, manifesting through political propaganda or deception—an idea linked to Gustavo Bueno's thesis on culture as mythology.

Illusions Surrounding Culture

• The conclusion drawn suggests that those who consider themselves cultured may actually live under significant illusions regarding culture and literature itself. This notion challenges conventional understandings of cultural sophistication.

Exploring Literary Origins

Anthropological Context

• To understand literary origins, one must start from an anthropological perspective, which situates human beings within their social contexts—natural or political—and how these influence literary creation.

Rationalism in Literature

• Human reason plays a crucial role in shaping literature; it reflects humanity's capacity for rational thought while also engaging with irrational elements designed by this rationality itself. Thus, art can embellish irrationalism rather than simply depict it straightforwardly.

Lack of Bibliography on Literary Origins

• There appears to be a scarcity of bibliographic resources addressing how literature originates and develops over time—a gap this session aims to address through discussion and analysis.

The Circular Axis of Human Society

Structure of Human Society

• The anthropological space can be visualized as a circular axis where humans exist as members of various societies (natural, political), influencing their literary expressions significantly.

Role of Copyright and Authorship

Literature's Evolution and Its Foundations

The Circular Axis of Literature

• Literature reaches its fullest expression within the circular axis, emphasizing human social and political relationships in contemporary societies.

Technological Influences on Literature

• Literature has utilized various technological and scientific supports for its development, starting from oral traditions to written forms.

• The evolution of writing tools—from clay tablets to digital literature—has continuously supported literature's growth and dissemination.

The Angular Axis: Birth of Literature

• Literature is significantly influenced by "luminous realities," which are tied to human beliefs in mythological and theological entities.

• It originates closely related to religious experiences, such as prayer and invocation of transcendent beings.

Secularization of Literary Themes

• Over time, literature incorporates reason, science, and philosophy, leading to a secularization of previously sacred themes.

• This process results in the demystification of sacred texts and experiences that initially inspired literary creation.

Methodological Contextualization

• A methodological framework titled "contextualization methodology of a genealogy of literature" is introduced for better understanding.

• The framework consists of five columns with three rows each, designed to facilitate comprehension during explanations.

Genealogy and Cultural Context

• The first column discusses the origins of literature within cultures defined by magic, myth, religion, and basic oral techniques.

• Understanding the evolution from primitive expressions to complex works like "Don Quixote" requires recognizing shifts in societal concepts over time.

Critical Stages in Literary Development

• The origin stage situates literature within cultures characterized by elemental knowledge systems involving mythos and magic.

Literary Evolution and Structure

The Genesis and Structural Evolution of Literature

• The discussion begins with the notion that literature has not remained static in its genetic state but has evolved structurally over time.

• Structural evolution is highlighted through the radial expansion of literary materials, transitioning from clay tablets to modern digital devices while maintaining the fundamental concept of a "tablet."

• A metaphorical statement emphasizes that "the wheel will always be round," suggesting certain constants in literary forms despite technological changes.

• The historical continuity of writing tools is noted, from ancient Sumerian tablets to contemporary formats, indicating a persistent structure in how writing is conceived.

• Various mediums such as lithographs, papyrus, codices, and digital formats are identified as part of the radial expansion of literature's structural development.

Autology and Literary Body Development

• This evolution constitutes an autological body of literature—an ongoing development that transcends initial genesis into a more complex structure.

• The speaker draws parallels between human physical development and literary evolution, asserting that literature's structure surpasses its original genesis due to anthropological expansion.

• Reiterating the idea of radial expansion, it is emphasized that this allows for an ontologically developed body of literature spanning from ancient tablets to current forms.

Categorial Closure in Literary Materials

• A shift towards discussing categorial closure introduces four essential components: author, literary work, reader, and transductor/interpreter.

• These four elements are deemed comprehensive for understanding global literary materials; knowledge about them requires awareness of legal protections surrounding authorship rights.

• Each component (author, work, reader, transductor) plays a distinct role: authors create works embodying ideas; readers interpret these works; transductors impose interpretations on others based on their authority.

Political Organization and Interpretation Power

• The necessity for political organization within society is underscored since without it, the power dynamics surrounding interpretation become ineffective or meaningless.

• An exploration into ontology suggests that understanding these relationships requires interpreting material form versus content throughout history—a model reflecting protinian essences applied to literature.

Circularity in Literary Processes

• A circular process is described where interpretations by transductors influence authors and new readers alike—indicating a continuous cycle rather than a linear progression.

• It’s clarified that transductors first engage with texts as readers before exercising their interpretative power over others.

• This framework serves as a guide for further exploration into the birth and essence of literature itself.

Birthplace of Literature: Essence vs. Rational Knowledge

The Birth of Literature and Its Relationship with Reason

The Origins of Literature

• The emergence of literature is rooted in specific cultural systems characterized by pre-rational knowledge, often irrational and uncritical, lacking scientific and philosophical understanding.

• Early cultures may not have developed structured writing or linguistic systems but likely possessed religious concerns and expressions such as songs and prayers.

Autonomy of Literature

• As literature gains autonomy from religious evocations, it establishes a strong bond with reason, akin to the evolution from primate to human.

• The relationship between literature and reason is intimate; they are allies that enhance each other's development rather than opposing forces.

Rationalism in Literature

• If literature had rejected reason, it would have remained a mere sect within religion. Instead, it embraced rationality and has been at the forefront of all rational revolutions.

• The semantic universe of literature evolved from primitive dogmatism to critical engagement with rational knowledge.

Incorporation of Fiction

• When literature integrates reason, it uniquely incorporates fiction—something other genres cannot do effectively.

• This incorporation leads to the secularization of divine entities; gods become fictional constructs rather than operational realities.

The Impact on Religious Concepts

• As literature rationalizes itself, deities lose their operational significance in human life, becoming mere elements of fiction devoid of real-world power.

• Characters like Don Quixote exist only within their narrative structures; similarly, gods exist only as logical concepts or psychological experiences without physical reality.

Secularization and Psychological Implications

• The transformation into fiction places deities in the realm of imagination rather than reality. This shift can psychologically empower individuals by allowing them to confront fears without reliance on non-existent entities.

The Nature of Fiction and Its Relationship with Philosophy

The Concept of Fiction in Literature

• Fiction is described as a literary formalization of logical structures, particularly in M3, which presents psychological content lacking operational existence (M1).

• The theory posits that fiction formalizes psychological contents from M2 that do not have operational existence in the real world.

Insights from Ramón Rubinat's Work

• Ramón Rubinat has developed a significant theory on fiction, particularly analyzing Javier Cercas' literary works, revealing the complexities behind literary creation.

• Rubinat's analysis critiques the image of intellectualism, portraying it as often deceptive or sophistic.

The Interconnection Between Literature and Rationalism

• Literature and reason are intertwined; literature has progressed alongside rational thought throughout history.

• Cervantes’ works foreshadow Spinoza’s philosophy, indicating a triumph of anthropological rationalism over theological rationalism.

Shakespeare's Literary Contributions

• Shakespeare’s literature is characterized by its lack of critique towards state or religion, filled with supernatural elements.

• His works also prelude English empiricism, suggesting that major literary figures often embed philosophical ideas within their narratives.

The Alliance Between Philosophy and Literature

• There has never been a true separation between literature and philosophy; they have always maintained a powerful alliance.

• This relationship mirrors other dualities like love and money—often at odds yet inseparable.

Evolution of Literature Through Oral to Written Forms

• Literature originated as oral tradition but transitioned to written forms upon discovering writing's power without completely abandoning oral roots.

• Writing allowed for expansive development across various mediums, enhancing the reach and expression of literary content.

Historical Context of Writing in Different Cultures

• The Breo people adopted writing earlier than the Greeks, whose literature remained predominantly oral until much later.

• Biblical references consistently highlight the importance of writing amidst strong oral traditions.

Role of Rhapsodes in Oral Tradition

• Rhapsodes served as oral storytellers who replaced traditional prayer-givers by narrating literature rather than performing prayers.

Rational Development in Literature

Literature and Its Secularization

The Relationship Between Internet Literature and Traditional Books

• The debate surrounding the relevance of internet literature versus traditional books is deemed absurd, as both forms complement rather than oppose each other.

• Both the book and digital tablet are significant inventions that coexist without conflict.

Origins of Literature

• Literature originates from the anthropological space, deeply connected to human experiences often linked to religious contexts.

• It represents a secularization of these religious elements, transitioning from a spiritual core to a rationalist structure.

Secularization in Literary Interpretation

• The interpretation of literature has evolved to view it not as sacred texts but as literary works, reflecting a secular and scientific understanding of its origins.

• Literature maintains its distinct status separate from fields like jurisprudence, economics, or medicine while aligning with rationalism.

Metaphysics and Fiction in Literature

• The secularization process transformed metaphysical concepts into idealistic fictions within literature.

• Unlike philosophy, which took time to ground metaphysics in reality, literature achieved this early on by depicting gods behaving like humans.

Fundamental Nature of Secular Activities

• This transformation positions literature alongside science and philosophy as key secular activities that emerged historically.

• Various religions have attempted to influence science, philosophy, and literature; however, this interaction is considered separate from their foundational roles.

Critique of Political Transubism

• A critique is presented regarding individuals who switch political allegiances for personal gain or convenience throughout history.

Historical Context of Idealism in Literature

• In ancient times, idealists engaged in mythological and theological pursuits; reformers were more idealistic compared to materialist counter-reformers.

• The Mediterranean region has historically been viewed as more materialistic than Northern Europe—a widely accepted yet debatable notion.

Influence of Augustine's Philosophy

• Protestantism's roots can be traced back to Augustine’s philosophies; he practiced Bibliomancy—interpreting scripture through random selection for guidance.

The Evolution of Religious Thought and Culture

The Role of Scholastic Theology

• La Teología Escolástica aims to rationalize the existence of God, relying on reason, while dogmatic theology rejects this approach, deeming it unacceptable for humans to interpret such a supreme idea rationally.

Transition from Traditional Metaphysics

• Traditional metaphysics and religion have become discredited; the foundations that supported traditional Christian metaphysics are significantly weakened. This shift prompts those invested in religious idealism to seek new avenues for their beliefs.

Secularization of Religious Ideas

• As traditional religious frameworks lose their appeal, ideas are secularized into cultural domains. Culture becomes fertile ground for these secularized religious concepts.

• During Franco's regime in Spain, many individuals joined the church seeking better living conditions. When societal circumstances improved outside the church, they transitioned away from clerical roles into academia.

Influence of Ex-Priests in Academia

• Many former priests with philosophical and theological training became university professors, influencing education with a secularized worldview rooted in their past experiences.

• These educators explain the world not through materialistic rationalism but through a specific understanding of God that they have ultimately betrayed.

The Shift to Cultural Ideals

• Culture emerges as a secularization of previously held religious ideas, replacing metaphysical underpinnings with cultural narratives.

• Kant is identified as a pivotal figure who constructs a philosophical system aimed at preserving traditional metaphysics amidst challenges posed by Newtonian philosophy and mechanistic views of reality.

The Mythification of Culture

• Gustavo Bueno argues that discussions will shift from divine concepts to cultural ones; nations themselves become focal points rather than an omnipotent deity.

• Language and culture begin to take on divine attributes, demanding respect akin to worship within society.

Cultural Identity vs. Historical Relevance

• Bueno posits that culture serves as "the opium of the people," equating it with political propaganda that fosters illusions about national identity despite lacking significant historical impact.

Literature and Reason: A Critical Examination

The Nature of Literature

• Literature has a critical power that surpasses the sciences in many aspects, particularly for those who can read and interpret it effectively.

• One may believe they understand literature while being misled; literature can easily deceive its readers without their awareness.

• To navigate literary materials successfully, one must be astute and disillusioned to avoid being tricked.

The Philosophical Implications of Literature

• The emergence of literature signifies the death of God and metaphysics, despite attempts by German idealism to preserve ancient values.

• Upcoming discussions will clarify four foundational premises regarding literature that are essential for understanding its role.

Premises on Human Reason in Literature

• The first premise states that literature serves as a poetics of human reason, presenting theories not philosophically but poetically and aesthetically.

• This poetics aligns with rationalism, continuously developing alongside scientific knowledge without rejecting it.

Literature's Relationship with Science

• Literature maintains an alliance with science, incorporating advancements into its framework rather than dismissing them.

• It is suggested that literature will continue to evolve alongside technological advancements, including informatics.

Rationality vs. Irrationality in Literary Representation

• Critics may argue that literature often portrays irrational figures; however, this does not negate the rational underpinnings behind such representations.

• Madness depicted in literature is designed rationally; it reflects a pathological use of reason rather than true insanity.

Historical Context and Relevance of Literature

• Historically, literature has progressed through reason and has integrated scientific advancements throughout time.

• Contrary to some beliefs, literature remains highly relevant today compared to other art forms; it combines philosophy with fiction as a means to interpret reality.

Distinction Between Types of Knowledge

• It is crucial to differentiate between natural knowledge (innate understanding without formal education) and artificial knowledge (learned skills).

Understanding Human Knowledge and Culture

The Nature of Human Emotions

• Humans are born crying, indicating an innate emotional response that does not require prior teaching.

Types of Knowledge

• Humans can learn to laugh in a disingenuous manner, suggesting a complex understanding of emotions influenced by experience.

• Natural knowledge is acquired without artificial learning, while cultural knowledge necessitates sophisticated education within a societal context.

The Role of Education in Society

• Cultural knowledge requires structured education (paideia), emphasizing the state's responsibility to educate citizens critically and scientifically.

• Decentralization of educational systems leads to fragmentation, undermining the fundamental structure of the state.

Public Rights and Interpretation

• Citing Spinoza's work, if individuals interpret public rights freely, it could lead to chaos and the dissolution of state authority.

• This critique targets Protestantism's advocacy for free interpretation, highlighting potential dangers in governance.

Rationality vs. Irrationality

• Allowing unrestricted personal interpretations could result in irrational governance; this notion challenges individualistic approaches to public rights.

Civilized vs. Barbaric Cultures

Understanding Civilized Knowledge

• Cultural knowledge can be categorized into civilized (systematic and logical based on science and philosophy) or barbaric (psychological and non-scientific).

Characteristics of Civilized Cultures

• Civilized cultures transmit knowledge systematically through scientific methods rather than relying solely on psychological interpretations.

Characteristics of Barbaric Cultures

• Barbaric cultures rely on sensory experiences rather than critical scientific reasoning; their rationalism lacks formal development.

Interpretation of Natural Phenomena

• In civilized societies, natural events like storms are understood through scientific principles rather than mythological explanations attributed to divine anger.

Knowledge Types in Barbaric Cultures

Fundamental Knowledge Categories

• According to Bueno’s theory from "Simploké," barbaric cultures possess four primary types of knowledge: myth, magic, religion, and technique.

Myth as a Knowledge Form

• Myths serve as imaginative explanations for events; they are transmitted orally across generations without significant alterations.

The Role of Mythology

Understanding Human Existence: History vs. Mythology

The Role of History and Mythology

• Humans belong to history, not mythology; this emphasizes a scientific interpretation of our ancestry over psychological ideologies.

• The focus should be on historical reality that can be known and interpreted rather than the psychological narratives of our ancestors.

Magic and Its Cultural Significance

• Magic involves using objects falsely endowed with supernatural powers; magicians are akin to musicians handling instruments without inherent value.

• In ancient cultures, myth and magic were essential forms of knowledge, with shamans connecting the living and the dead through communication practices.

Religious Context in Ancient Cultures

• Figures like shamans and augurs played significant roles in both magic and religion, predicting futures through various means such as animal sacrifices.

• Different types of religions exist: those centered around divine animals (primitive), anthropomorphic deities (mythological), and those integrating philosophy (theological).

Technology vs. Technique

• Technology represents humanity's adaptation of nature for its needs, contrasting with technique which is merely adapting to natural conditions.

• An example is Egypt's use of technology to manage the Nile River through modern engineering compared to ancient techniques used for flood management.

Knowledge Types in Civilized Cultures

• Civilized cultures possess two knowledge orientations: critical (science and philosophy) versus acritic (ideology, pseudosciences).

• The impact of science on mythology results in ideology; similarly, it influences religion leading to theology, while magic leads to pseudoscience.

Ideologies: Structure and Function

• Ideologies dissolve myths rationally but are rooted in modern societies that articulate discourses reflecting group beliefs against others.

• They serve social, historical, and political interests aimed at preserving group identity while being critical only towards external groups.

Fundamentalism within Ideologies

• Ideologies often exhibit fundamentalism by refraining from critiquing their foundational beliefs while attacking others'.

• Similar dynamics occur among religions where shared codes remain unchallenged despite critiques directed at atheism or other belief systems.

Pseudoscience as a Byproduct

• Pseudosciences emerge from magical practices subjected to scientific criteria; they proliferate widely in society today.

Cultural Sophistry and Theological Power

The Role of Culture in Deception

• Some universities allow sophists to enter under the guise of cultural entities, highlighting a potential misuse of cultural respect.

• Deceptive practices are often masked by cultural patronage, especially when it involves minority cultures, providing a shield against criticism.

Critique of Cultural Equivalence

• There exists a false respect for all cultures that undermines the principles of isonomy (equality) and isovalence (equivalence).

• The notion of cultural equivalence is criticized as a contemporary myth imposed by postmodernism, deemed scientifically absurd and grotesque.

Rationality vs. Irrationality

• Proposing equal communication methods among cultures is seen as ridiculous; such ideas are dismissed as foolishness.

• This leads to the conclusion that many arguments presented lack rational support, resembling mere nonsense.

Theology's Influence

• Freud suggests that reason suppresses irrationality; this includes ignorance and stupidity prevalent in society.

• Theology is framed not merely as religious theory but as an effective power structure influencing human thought.

Historical Context of Religions

• Early religions like Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Buddhism aimed at liberating humans from oppressive political powers.

• Despite its initial nonviolent stance, Christianity evolved into one of history's most brutal religions while also being recognized for its rationalist contributions.

Rationalism in Catholicism

Civilized Living through Rational Thought

• Catholicism allows for civilized living due to the influence of science and non-idealistic philosophy rather than solely its doctrines.

Distinction Between Knowledge Types

• Technology represents humanity's adaptation to nature through scientific resources; this aligns with Plato’s concepts of doxa (opinion) and episteme (scientific knowledge).

Doxa vs. Episteme

• Doxa refers to common opinion based on psychology; it should be challenged rather than endorsed within academic settings.

• Science provides objective knowledge through systematic analysis, contrasting with Kantian idealism which misleads contemporary understanding.

Philosophy and Literature: A Critical Relationship

Philosophy's Role in Knowledge Construction

• Philosophy serves as a critical framework connecting ideas built upon scientific foundations; it cannot exist independently from science.

Literature’s Evolution alongside Reason

• Literature emerged from irrational origins but has developed alongside rational thought throughout history.

Secularization Through Literature

• Literature signifies the triumph of human rationalism over theological reasoning, marking a shift away from metaphysical beliefs towards secular understanding.

Conclusion on Literary Development