May 3, 20244 min read
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About the Research
AP Research, a high school course, allows student to delve into the vast unknown and experimental in a topic of their choice. For this project, ten books by the author Haruki Murakami will be analyzed in relation to several theories of desire provided by Stanfords Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Join me on this journey as I break down how literature can impact our own perception towards of desire...
Abstract
This study delves into the depiction of desire in Haruki Murakami's literary works through the lens of Stanford's Philosophical Theories Regarding Desire. The research aimed to answer the question of how Murakami portrays desire throughout 10 of his novels, with a focus on whether the Action-based Theory of Desire prevails, as it does in everyday life. Through Thematic Analysis using the 5 theories of desire from Stanford Philosophical Encyclopedia (Action-based, Pleasure-based, Attention-based, Good-based, Learning-based) and Visualization, two main trends emerged. Firstly, Murakami's novels exhibit a consistent distribution of desires over time. Secondly, the majority of desires portrayed align with the Action-based Theory of Desire, confirming the initial hypothesis. Nonetheless, the study acknowledges the nuanced nature of desire, recognizing its multifaceted expressions beyond mere action. Further research is encouraged to unravel the layers of the Philosophy of desire and increase its findings in academic papers regarding philosophy and its involvement in literature.
Keywords: Philosophy, Desire, The Philosophy of Desire, Philosophy in Literature, Haruki Murakami
Research Resources
About
My name is Tvisha Hariharan
As a lover of fantasy, Murakami's books hold a place in my heart. Immersing myself in the discovery of new avenues of learning and research regarding the interworking of the human mind continue as a passion of mine. Through research, I hope to show viewers the beautiful parallel between literary magic and the human mind.
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