Docherty, Thomas (2009) On critical humility. Textual Practice, Vol.23 (No.6). pp. 1029-1043. doi:10.1080/09502360903361576 ISSN 0950-236X.

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Abstract

On critical humility argues for the importance of a critical 'receptivity' in the critic that aligns her or his resulting 'passivity' with 'passion'. Most existing critical modes operate by prioritising the critic's agency; but the position adopted here is that such agency can only be grounded in the critic's passion, a passion that marks not only humility but also humanity. The piece begins by considering the human as the laughing animal; and then relates this humour to an agency that is determined by something that provokes the body to laughter, something beyond the self. The logic is that autonomy, and the agency that goes with it, is preconditioned by heteronomy. Further, such a passivity is construed as basic to survival, and to the witnessing or bearing of testimony that is the critic's duty. Finally, the humble critical condition is aligned with love; and the essay reclaims the urgency of love as a condition of critical judgement.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts > English and Comparative Literary Studies
Journal or Publication Title:	Textual Practice
Publisher:	Routledge Journals
ISSN:	0950-236X
Official Date:	2009
Dates:	Date Event 2009 Published
Volume:	Vol.23
Number:	No.6
Number of Pages:	17
Page Range:	pp. 1029-1043
DOI:	10.1080/09502360903361576
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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