Henry Miller and The Philosophy of The Inhuman Artist

Abstract

In my doctoral dissertation I argue that it is possible to reconstruct a coherent philosophical theory from the works of the American writer Henry Miller (1891-1980) and I develop an original and well-integrated version of that theory. Building upon his notion of the inhuman artist, Miller's philosophical foundation is revealed through his literary attacks against the metaphysical design of the modern age. I argue that, by repudiating some of the most potent elements of late modernity such as history, modern technology and an aesthetisized view of art, Miller paves the way for overcoming Western metaphysics. Finally I show that, philosophically, this aim is governed by Miller's idiosyncratic concept of art, in which one is led towards self-liberation through transcending the modern society and its dehumanizing pursuits.