Culture, Identity, And Value: A Philosophical Reading Of English Literature

Abstract

This paper asserts that English literature represents a distinct kind of philosophical inquiry into culture, identity, and value, arguing that literary narratives function not merely as artistic expressions but also as platforms for ethical and existential reflection. The research, grounded in the philosophy of culture, axiology, and narrative ethics, posits that literature not only mirrors social realities but also actively transforms moral consciousness and individuals' self-perception in connection to their society. Literary works function as platforms for individuals and groups to negotiate meaning, norms, and interpretations of a significant life.

This study examines how narratives function as symbolic systems that influence human existence, drawing on the theories of philosophers such as Paul Ricoeur, Charles Taylor, Martha Nussbaum, and Ernst Cassirer. Ricoeur's notion of narrative identity clarifies the development of selves through stories; Taylor's moral perspectives reveal evaluative structures; Nussbaum emphasizes literature's role in cultivating moral imagination; and Cassirer situates literature within broader cultural frameworks.

The study employs a conceptual reader-response framework along with graphical representations to illustrate how readers engage with literature as a means of reflecting on belonging, responsibility, and purpose. Ultimately, it posits that English literature functions as a cultural laboratory for the creative examination of fundamental human concerns such as identity, freedom, and the ideal life, perpetuating inquiry rather than providing definitive answers.