William Desmond's philosophy of wonder consists of three modalities: astonishment, perplexity, and curiosity, each revealing the excessive being of reality.
Laughter, according to Desmond, has various forms that can bring renewal, healing, and a humble perspective, serving as a balance between the disenchanted and enchanted aspects of life.
Receptivity plays a crucial role in Desmond's philosophy, allowing for a deeper awareness of the excess of being and leading to a re-enchantment with the world through practices such as prayer, art, and relationships.
Deep dives
The Three Modalities of Wonder
Steve Nepa discusses the three modalities of wonder in William Desmond's philosophy: astonishment, perplexity, and curiosity. Astonishment is a profound sense of wonder that arises from the excessive being of reality. Perplexity, on the other hand, brings forth a more unsettling and ambiguous experience of wonder. Lastly, curiosity is the way in which we seek to understand how things work. Nepa highlights the importance of embracing a deeper sense of wonder and recognizing that wonder is not only subjective, but also a disclosure of the excess of being.
The Role of Laughter
Nepa explores the role of laughter in William Desmond's philosophy. Desmond distinguishes between different types of laughter, including redemptive laughter, laughter of release, and laughter of humility. These forms of laughter can provide renewal, healing, and a fresh start in difficult situations. Laughter can also serve as a way to deflating pride and embracing a more humble perspective. Nepa highlights how laughter can bring balance and help navigate between the disenchanted and enchanted aspects of life.
The Importance of Receptivity
Receptivity is a key concept in Desmond's philosophy, and Nepa emphasizes its importance. Desmond argues that humans are constitutively porous, both in their physical senses and in their interiority. Receptivity allows for a deeper awareness of the excess of being and the capacity to experience wonder. Nepa asserts that cultivating receptivity, particularly through practices such as prayer, art, and relationships, can lead to a re-enchantment with the world and a fuller understanding of the inherent worth of all things.
Rediscovering Metaphysics
Nepa discusses the role of metaphysics in Desmond's philosophy. He argues that metaphysical assumptions are always present, whether at the cultural or individual level. Nepa suggests that revisiting metaphysical assumptions and recognizing their influence can help in re-enchanting the world. By embracing a richer sense of reality, one rooted in astonishment and wonder, individuals can make a meaningful impact and contribute to the renewal of culture.
The Path to Re-Enchantment
Nepa concludes by outlining possible ways for individuals to approach the strangeness of being and begin the process of re-enchantment. Cultivating receptivity, questioning metaphysical assumptions, and developing a deeper awareness of wonder are key to this endeavor. Nepa also highlights the role of religion, art, and philosophy in rediscovering their vocation to share the richness of being and contribute to a more enchanted world. Ultimately, the path to re-enchantment involves individual engagement and a shift in perspective towards the inherent worth and mystery of existence.
Steven E. Knepper is Associate Professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies at the Virginia Military Institute. In this episode we discuss his book Wonder Strikes: Approaching Aesthetics and Literature with William Desmond, alongside discussions on being, God, grace, prayer, silence and more...
The book: https://sunypress.edu/Books/W/Wonder-Strikes
