JOURNAL ARTICLE

Disarming Intelligence: Proust, Valéry and Modern French Criticism by Zakir Paul (review).

  • Published In: Modernism/Modernity, 2025, v. 32, n. 1. P. 184 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Bergstrom, Victoria 3 of 3

Abstract

The main focus of the book "Disarming Intelligence" is the exploration of the concept of intelligence in the context of French literature and philosophy from 1870 to 1930. Zakir Paul examines how the term has evolved, particularly its implications in the works of notable figures such as Hippolyte Taine, Marcel Proust, and Paul Valéry, while also addressing the tension between quantitative and qualitative understandings of intelligence. The book discusses the role of intelligence in narrative form and artistic creation, as well as its political dimensions, particularly in relation to the editorial direction of the Nouvelle Revue Française and the thoughts of Walter Benjamin. The epilogue reflects on contemporary discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and its impact on the understanding of the term. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Modernism/Modernity. 2025/01, Vol. 32, Issue 1, p184
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1071-6068
  • DOI:10.1353/mod.2025.a966632
  • Accession Number:187116896
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Modernism/Modernity is the property of Johns Hopkins University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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