Trade, Talk and Desire

No matter how differently societies organise themselves, there are three central issues they must contend with: the exchange of goods, communication, and the rules governing sexual relations. The connection between people, however diverse, is established not by any universal principle of reason, but rather by talking, trading and desire. In the process, they follow maxims that are diametrically opposed to the ideals of pure reason. In keeping with this, Jochen Hörisch's studies steer clear of any semblance of a rigid systematic approach, instead covering an expansive terrain ranging from literature to art and philosophy: they represent an invitation to put impure reason back on the map.