“Authorial intent” is something many philosophers of language have balked-at over the last century, especially post-modernists within the so-called New Criticism school of thought. The idea is that “all we have is the text” so we shouldn’t get distracted in trying to know the “mind of the author” since such a thing (if it existed) is technically … More On Authorial Intent
We began last time (part 1) by introducing a positive definition of chivalry, following Kenelm Digby’s Broadstone of Honour. In it he states that chivalry is that “spirit or state of mind which disposes men to heroic and generous actions and keeps them conversant with all that is beautiful and sublime in the intellectual and moral world.” It … More What is Chivalry? (Part 2)
We often hear the phrase, “chivalry is dead.” And by this it is not always clear what is being referred to. By chivalry do they mean romantic feeling? Or perhaps knights in shining armor or ladies in waiting? Or is it castles, flying banners, and fire-breathing dragons? Probably all-of-the-above. In all such cases I suppose … More What is Chivalry? (Part 1)
THE MEDIEVAL PROFESSOR 