The Witkacy – Cornelius Correspondence, or how to Cure Gout with Transcendental Philosophy
The Witkacy – Cornelius Correspondence, or how to Cure Gout with Transcendental Philosophy

Summary/Abstract: By drawing on archival materials that were previously considered missing, the author examines Witkacy’s epistolary friendship with the German philosopher Hans Cornelius, a friendship which lasted from 1935 to 1939. She explores how Witkacy and Cornelius discussed the body as an object of philosophical speculation and personal experience, and then briefly turns to the political elements in the correspondence, and in Cornelius’ recollection of the friendship during later years. Witkacy and Cornelius did not find a common language precise enough to transform their exchange of philosophical views into genuine dialogue, but their friendship became more intimate with time. It seems that the process of engaging in honest and passionate philosophical dialogue helped them develop a personal friendship which was more important than their conceptual misunderstandings.

• Details
• Contents