Mystical strategies and performative discourse in the 'Theologia Mystica' of Teresa of Avila : a Wittgensteinian analysis
The thesis argues that a Wittgensteinian approach to the 'mystical' writings of a 'mystical theologian' such as Teresa of Avila reveals that rather than exhibiting an ontological mysticism these writings are better understood as enacting what are termed 'mystical strategies&...
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Durham University
2009
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| Online Access: | http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.491777 |
| Summary: | The thesis argues that a Wittgensteinian approach to the 'mystical' writings of a 'mystical theologian' such as Teresa of Avila reveals that rather than exhibiting an ontological mysticism these writings are better understood as enacting what are termed 'mystical strategies' or 'performative discourse'. The notion that both Wittgenstein and Teresa employ what are termed 'therapeutic or transformational strategies' to effect change in their readers is central to its argument. In this respect the thesis concludes that their writing is fundamentally transformational in character. |
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