AustLit

'Various academics have, over the last five years, challenged practices of criticism in Australian cultural studies. Paul Carter, Ross Gibson and Stephen Muecke have all offered transgressive and dynamic practices, engaging with speculative and experimental ways of thinking. But how can such speculation be supported and contextualised in critical debate? Muecke in particular draws from a background of Continental philosophy in constructing his critical practice. He is influenced by the work of Bruno Latour and Etienne Souriau. The latter is a largely forgotten French philosopher, untranslated in English. He offers a theory of existential pluralism, suggesting the multiplicity of modes of existence and exploring the nature of relation between them. Developing an understanding of his philosophy can help contextualise Muecke’s work, and potentially contribute to this critical movement more generally.' (Publication abstract)