Democracy as the Genius's Kiss: Art and Democracy in Thomas Mann's Essayistic Works
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2018-08-28
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en
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Abstract
In his essays, Thomas Mann proposed contrasting ideas on democracy, art, and politics. At times, Mann’s conceptions of art, and democracy even contradict one another. The hypothesis of this article, however, is that there is a transcending conception of democracy in Mann’s thought. By interpreting and assessing Mann’s essays on democracy this core conception is extrapolated. Fundamental for his conception of democracy, I believe, is his position as an artist. In discussing Mann’s reflections on his role as an artist, I will show that it is specifically the democratic idea of cultural elevation by means of education [Bildung] which defines his artistry and, consequently, his conception of democracy.
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Faculteit der Filosofie, Theologie en Religiewetenschappen