The philosophy of Conversation Among Oxen in Sagarana of Guimarães Rosa

Authors

  • Luciano L. Menegaldo UFRJ - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Programa de Engenharia Biomédica – COPPE. Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brasil - 21941-914.
  • Ítalo Marsilli UFRJ - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Psiquiatria. Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brasil - 22290-140.

Keywords:

Guimarães Rosa, Conversation Among Oxen, Philosophy, Rationalism, Ethics,

Abstract

This paper explores some philosophical questions regarding the tale “Conversation Among Oxen”, from Sagarana, of João Guimarães Rosa. Two philosophical questions are addressed. The first regards the carter Agenor Soronho ethics; the second is related to the narrative of Rodapião ox, which refers to knowledge theory and ontology. The unfortunate destiny of both characters, as well as some passages of the author’s correspondence, points towards a criticism against Cartesian rationalism and to utilitarian ethics. Simultaneously, the tale renders classical philosophy and literature questions into the backcountry scenario.

Published

12/05/2016

Issue

Section

Contributions