Shestov's Philosophy And Aesthetics

This paper tries to give a relatively systematic account of Shestove's philosophy, including his tragic philosophy and religious philosophy, and aesthetics, which is an expansion of his philosophy. Shestov paid great attention to the individual existent experience and resisted the absolute hegemony of reason, which is over people's existence. Therefore, Shestov resorted to the Biblical faith. According to Shestov, the philosophical world-view and thinking contained in the Bible contrast with the rationalistic philosophy, which order people to follow necessity. Tragic philosophy is the only way for people to reach the truth of existence. Because this way is full of pain and donkeywork, people need the guide of religious philosophy to undergo the last fight between the faith and reason in the world. Then, people come into the godly freedom.Shestov's aesthetic is an expansion of his philosophy in art. He argued that there was no essence of beauty in fact. Real beauty lies in the phenomena of nature and art. People can get it through sensory organ. Seeking the essence of beauty is the illusory ambition of reason. When people prostrate before reason they begin to think about the essence of not only beauty but also everything. Refuse to study the essence of beauty means say No to reason. Then, you are on the way of godly freedom and faith.Shestov's literature theory is base on the traditional conception. He emphasized form prior to content in a literature. The author's task is not to teach people how to do but to refuse the influence of reason in his times. Real creation is a process from one failure to another. Shestov's literature theory is a conclusion of his creation. He expressed that literature and philosophy should be combinated.