A new book! Camus' Literary Ethics

Good News! 

A new book on Camus has been released ! The title is Camus' Literary Ethics by Grace Whistler. This text has great promise as it covers an important area in Camus studies and also illuminates a blind-spot in the conversation about Camus. And, I have more good news. Click HERE and you can read a chapter for free to test drive the book.

Here is an abstract of the free chapter of the book linked above to give you a feel for the content: 

This chapter outlines Camus’ critique of abstract moral reasoning and the steps he undertook as a writer to construct an alternative method. Like any writer, he struggled with the development of his own style, but here I suggest that this was driven by the desire to forge new ways of doing philosophy and to develop philosophical form which was not only appropriate but also in some ways indivisible from its ethical content. I suggest that Camus wants to achieve a style of philosophical writing which does justice to the messiness of morality, brings about an intersubjective experience of the Other, and enables us to reflect on our own moral convictions

Enjoy! 

The American Journals

In this episode I take up a very interesting work, Camus' American Journals. In 1946 Camus traveled to North America (primarily New York City) and in 1949 he traveled to South America.  In this episode I will take a look at the context and content of the journals. He makes many very interesting observations about his time in the United States and South America. 

Enjoy! 

Also available as a pod cast on Albert Camus Radio on Anchor. 

The Myth of Sisyphus

 Today, we take up a very important text by Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus.  Here we see some of Camus' most powerful writing as he combines fiction and high level relevant philosophical argumentation. 

Enjoy the video and reading the text.

The Rebel

 A few thoughts on Camus' philosophical book-length essay titled The Rebel.  Enjoy this video and reading this landmark text. 

Also, remember that these are available in audio only as podcasts at Albert Camus Radio on Anchor and they are also available on Spotify and soon on Apple. 

Podcasts now avaliable

Podcasts are now available for this blog. I setup a podcast page through Anchor Media, here is the link to the podcasts: CLICK HERE 

Most of the material on the podcasts are the audio files downloaded from the videos here. If you are on the road, or running, or out walking, or working you can now download and hear more about Camus!  The podcasts are also available on Spotify as Albert Camus Radio.

Enjoy!

20 Questions with Dr. Peter Francev

The guest of the second installment of "20 Questions on Camus" is Dr. Peter Francev. 

Dr. Francev in his doctoral regalia.

Dr. Francev is the Chair of the English Department at Victor Valley College in California. Professor Francev holds an M.A in Philosophy from University College, Dublin, an M.A in English from California State University Polytechnic University, Pomona and his Ph.D. was granted in English from The University of Leicester. Dr. Francev has published multiple articles on Camus and he is the editor of two landmark text on Camus.  

Dr. Francev's answer to the new question: Do you consider Camus an African author, why or why not?

This is a fantastic question! 

I suppose, if one were to look at geography, then he would be considered an African writer; however, if you look at the political dimensions with Algeria being a colony of France, then it would be more appropriate to call him a French-Algerian writer. I prefer French-Algerian, because of his ethnic and geographical make up, rather than a purely “African” writer. And, that is the same logic that I would use in not referring to him as a purely “French” writer.

Please ask questions or comment below and enjoy.