Introduction to Antiphilosophy

Traditional philosophy, claims Boris Groys in this provocative new work, promised to satisfy the desire for knowledge. But why should I bother with knowledge and philosophy at all? What motives lead me to such a project? Antiphilosophy in its various guises is directed not against this or that particular philosophy but against the philosophical project itself. That project is now interpreted as a symptom of frustration, a lack of true vitality, or of the product of an unjust society. Asked why we should want philosophy the answer is no longer a theory but rather an appeal and a command: Live dangerously! Change the world! Think rhizomically! And then you will know. Groys explores these questions and answers via figures as varied as Bakhtin, Benjamin, Derrida, Heidegger, Jünger, Kierkegaard, Kojève and Nietzsche.

Boris Groys is Professor of Aesthetics, Art History, and Media Theory at the Center for Art and Media Technology in Karlsruhe, and since 2005, the Global Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Science, NYU. He has published numerous books including The Total Art of Stalinism, Ilya Kabakov: The Man Who Flew into Space from His Apartment, Art Power, and The Communist Postscript.