Brian Treanor
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823226849
- eISBN:
- 9780823235100
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823226849.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter poses questions specific to the philosophy of intersubjectivity as described by Emmanuel Levinas and Gabriel Marcel. It examines Marcel’s work through the eyes of ...
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This chapter poses questions specific to the philosophy of intersubjectivity as described by Emmanuel Levinas and Gabriel Marcel. It examines Marcel’s work through the eyes of Levinas—with the dual goals of attempting to answer some of Levinas’s criticisms and, simultaneously, bringing into sharper relief those issues on which significant disagreement remains. First, the question of otherness on a transcendental level is considered. The transcendental philosophy of Levinas and Marcel is then discussed. Levinas’s transcendental critique argues that sociality is prior to ontology and that sociality requires a distinct and separate other who is absolutely other prior to an encounter with the self. Levinas insists that the other is absolutely other, while Marcel would clearly reject such a black and white distinction.Less
This chapter poses questions specific to the philosophy of intersubjectivity as described by Emmanuel Levinas and Gabriel Marcel. It examines Marcel’s work through the eyes of Levinas—with the dual goals of attempting to answer some of Levinas’s criticisms and, simultaneously, bringing into sharper relief those issues on which significant disagreement remains. First, the question of otherness on a transcendental level is considered. The transcendental philosophy of Levinas and Marcel is then discussed. Levinas’s transcendental critique argues that sociality is prior to ontology and that sociality requires a distinct and separate other who is absolutely other prior to an encounter with the self. Levinas insists that the other is absolutely other, while Marcel would clearly reject such a black and white distinction.
Brian Treanor
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823226849
- eISBN:
- 9780823235100
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823226849.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Gabriel Marcel was not a “professional” philosopher and his philosophical legacy includes lectures, journal entries, and dramatic works in addition to more orthodox ...
More
Gabriel Marcel was not a “professional” philosopher and his philosophical legacy includes lectures, journal entries, and dramatic works in addition to more orthodox philosophical expression in essays. Of these various genres, Marcel was perhaps most pleased with his dramatic works, in which he felt he was able to express things for which the more rigid structures of philosophical language were inadequate. This chapter summarizes some of the significant elements in Marcel’s diverse and unsystematic work. It provides a general overview of the philosophy in question, but with special attention to those features that have a bearing on love, justice, or otherness.Less
Gabriel Marcel was not a “professional” philosopher and his philosophical legacy includes lectures, journal entries, and dramatic works in addition to more orthodox philosophical expression in essays. Of these various genres, Marcel was perhaps most pleased with his dramatic works, in which he felt he was able to express things for which the more rigid structures of philosophical language were inadequate. This chapter summarizes some of the significant elements in Marcel’s diverse and unsystematic work. It provides a general overview of the philosophy in question, but with special attention to those features that have a bearing on love, justice, or otherness.
Brian Treanor
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823226849
- eISBN:
- 9780823235100
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823226849.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
“Every other is truly other, but no other is wholly other”. This is the claim that this book defends. Taking up the question of otherness that so fascinates contemporary continental ...
More
“Every other is truly other, but no other is wholly other”. This is the claim that this book defends. Taking up the question of otherness that so fascinates contemporary continental philosophy, this book asks what it means for something or someone to be other than the self. Emmanuel Levinas and those influenced by him point out that the philosophical tradition of the West has generally favored the self at the expense of the other. In response, postmodern thought insists on the absolute otherness of the other, epitomized by the deconstructive claim “every other is wholly other”. But absolute otherness generates problems and aporias of its own. This has led some thinkers to reevaluate the notion of relative otherness in light of the postmodern critique, arguing for a chiastic account that does justice to both the alterity and the similitude of the other. These latter two positions—absolute otherness and a rehabilitated account of relative otherness—are the main contenders in the contemporary debate. This book traces the transmission and development of these two conceptions of otherness by examining the philosophies of Emmanuel Levinas and Gabriel Marcel. Levinas's version of otherness can be seen in the work of Jacques Derrida and John D. Caputo, while Marcel's understanding of otherness influences the work of Paul Ricoeur and Richard Kearney. Ultimately, this book makes a case for a hermeneutic account of otherness. Otherness itself is not absolute, but is a chiasm of alterity and similitude.Less
“Every other is truly other, but no other is wholly other”. This is the claim that this book defends. Taking up the question of otherness that so fascinates contemporary continental philosophy, this book asks what it means for something or someone to be other than the self. Emmanuel Levinas and those influenced by him point out that the philosophical tradition of the West has generally favored the self at the expense of the other. In response, postmodern thought insists on the absolute otherness of the other, epitomized by the deconstructive claim “every other is wholly other”. But absolute otherness generates problems and aporias of its own. This has led some thinkers to reevaluate the notion of relative otherness in light of the postmodern critique, arguing for a chiastic account that does justice to both the alterity and the similitude of the other. These latter two positions—absolute otherness and a rehabilitated account of relative otherness—are the main contenders in the contemporary debate. This book traces the transmission and development of these two conceptions of otherness by examining the philosophies of Emmanuel Levinas and Gabriel Marcel. Levinas's version of otherness can be seen in the work of Jacques Derrida and John D. Caputo, while Marcel's understanding of otherness influences the work of Paul Ricoeur and Richard Kearney. Ultimately, this book makes a case for a hermeneutic account of otherness. Otherness itself is not absolute, but is a chiasm of alterity and similitude.
Brian Treanor
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823226849
- eISBN:
- 9780823235100
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823226849.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The divergence that existed between Gabriel Marcel and Emmanuel Levinas continues to fuel a lively philosophical debate, and the jury is still out with respect to the question ...
More
The divergence that existed between Gabriel Marcel and Emmanuel Levinas continues to fuel a lively philosophical debate, and the jury is still out with respect to the question of the otherness of the other. This chapter discusses several key points. First, after briefly reiterating some of what is at stake in the question of the otherness of the other, it offers two possible reconciliations of the conflict between absolute and relative characterizations of otherness: one from the perspective of Levinas, another from the perspective of Marcel. Second, the chapter traces the development of these two accounts of otherness—absolute and relative—from their reemergence in Levinas and Marcel to their contemporary manifestations, in order to illustrate the enduring challenge posed by this problem and the contributions of Levinas and Marcel to its current expression. One possible resolution of the differences between Levinas and Marcel—that is, between absolute otherness and relative otherness—would focus on the distinction between transcendental philosophy and empirical philosophy.Less
The divergence that existed between Gabriel Marcel and Emmanuel Levinas continues to fuel a lively philosophical debate, and the jury is still out with respect to the question of the otherness of the other. This chapter discusses several key points. First, after briefly reiterating some of what is at stake in the question of the otherness of the other, it offers two possible reconciliations of the conflict between absolute and relative characterizations of otherness: one from the perspective of Levinas, another from the perspective of Marcel. Second, the chapter traces the development of these two accounts of otherness—absolute and relative—from their reemergence in Levinas and Marcel to their contemporary manifestations, in order to illustrate the enduring challenge posed by this problem and the contributions of Levinas and Marcel to its current expression. One possible resolution of the differences between Levinas and Marcel—that is, between absolute otherness and relative otherness—would focus on the distinction between transcendental philosophy and empirical philosophy.
Brian Treanor
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823226849
- eISBN:
- 9780823235100
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823226849.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The interconnectedness, even interdependence, of the alterity of other persons and the alterity of God is clearly present in both Gabriel Marcel's and Emmanuel Levinas's work. ...
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The interconnectedness, even interdependence, of the alterity of other persons and the alterity of God is clearly present in both Gabriel Marcel's and Emmanuel Levinas's work. Steadfastly maintaining a connection between the otherness of God and the otherness of other persons, Levinas and Marcel specifically represent these two loves—love oriented toward the divine and love toward our fellow humans—as intertwined. Both thinkers perceive that one cannot love God without loving one's fellow man, and that one cannot love one's fellow man without loving God. For these philosophers, the relationships we have with other persons are the mode of access—either primarily (Marcel) or exclusively (Levinas)—that we have to God; and this is the clearest indication that the alterity of the other person and the alterity of God are related.Less
The interconnectedness, even interdependence, of the alterity of other persons and the alterity of God is clearly present in both Gabriel Marcel's and Emmanuel Levinas's work. Steadfastly maintaining a connection between the otherness of God and the otherness of other persons, Levinas and Marcel specifically represent these two loves—love oriented toward the divine and love toward our fellow humans—as intertwined. Both thinkers perceive that one cannot love God without loving one's fellow man, and that one cannot love one's fellow man without loving God. For these philosophers, the relationships we have with other persons are the mode of access—either primarily (Marcel) or exclusively (Levinas)—that we have to God; and this is the clearest indication that the alterity of the other person and the alterity of God are related.
Dwayne A. Tunstall
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780823251605
- eISBN:
- 9780823252725
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823251605.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, American Philosophy
This chapter explains how Marcel’s reflective method is a teleological suspension of philosophy through a selective examination of his writings about reflection from Being and Having (1935) to his ...
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This chapter explains how Marcel’s reflective method is a teleological suspension of philosophy through a selective examination of his writings about reflection from Being and Having (1935) to his series of conversations with Paul Ricoeur in 1968. This chapter also explains how Marcel’s reflective method works at the primary level, the conceptual secondary level, and the participatory secondary level.Less
This chapter explains how Marcel’s reflective method is a teleological suspension of philosophy through a selective examination of his writings about reflection from Being and Having (1935) to his series of conversations with Paul Ricoeur in 1968. This chapter also explains how Marcel’s reflective method works at the primary level, the conceptual secondary level, and the participatory secondary level.
Dwayne A. Tunstall
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780823251605
- eISBN:
- 9780823252725
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823251605.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, American Philosophy
This book contends that Gabriel Marcel’s reflective method is animated by two extraphilosophical commitments. Marcel’s first extraphilosophical commitment is to an ethico-religious insight where the ...
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This book contends that Gabriel Marcel’s reflective method is animated by two extraphilosophical commitments. Marcel’s first extraphilosophical commitment is to an ethico-religious insight where the highest ontological exigency for human persons is to participate in being. Marcel’s second extraphilosophical commitment is to battle the ever-present threat of dehumanization in late Western modernity. The importance of these two commitments to Marcel’s reflective method can be appreciated better if one views it as a teleological suspension of philosophy. Unfortunately, Marcel undermines his second extraphilosophical commitment by neglecting to examine what is perhaps the most prevalent threat of depersonalization in Western modernity, antiblack racism. Given Marcel’s professed commitment to battle against the forces of dehumanization in late Western modernity, any Marcellian reflective method that is faithful to Marcel’s commitment to combat dehumanization should account for how antiblack racism has affected modern human persons, especially Africana persons. Tunstall thinks Gordon’s existential phenomenology is a promising candidate for providing this sort of account.Less
This book contends that Gabriel Marcel’s reflective method is animated by two extraphilosophical commitments. Marcel’s first extraphilosophical commitment is to an ethico-religious insight where the highest ontological exigency for human persons is to participate in being. Marcel’s second extraphilosophical commitment is to battle the ever-present threat of dehumanization in late Western modernity. The importance of these two commitments to Marcel’s reflective method can be appreciated better if one views it as a teleological suspension of philosophy. Unfortunately, Marcel undermines his second extraphilosophical commitment by neglecting to examine what is perhaps the most prevalent threat of depersonalization in Western modernity, antiblack racism. Given Marcel’s professed commitment to battle against the forces of dehumanization in late Western modernity, any Marcellian reflective method that is faithful to Marcel’s commitment to combat dehumanization should account for how antiblack racism has affected modern human persons, especially Africana persons. Tunstall thinks Gordon’s existential phenomenology is a promising candidate for providing this sort of account.
Brian Treanor
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823226849
- eISBN:
- 9780823235100
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823226849.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
While Emmanuel Levinas's critique is transcendental, Gabriel Marcel's is “concrete” or “existential”. Marcel's existential critique takes two general forms, although, to all ...
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While Emmanuel Levinas's critique is transcendental, Gabriel Marcel's is “concrete” or “existential”. Marcel's existential critique takes two general forms, although, to all intents and purposes, they amount to the same thing. He either attacks the “spirit of abstraction” that thinks it can understand the whole by abstracting and analyzing a part, or, without explicitly accusing a philosophy of abstraction, points out that it does not account for the fullness of lived experience. This chapter focuses on issues at a confluence of two dialogues. First, between Marcel and Levinas on the question of the existential accuracy of their respective accounts of intersubjectivity and alterity. Second, between Levinas and his (explicit) interlocutors and critics regarding those criticisms in line with the first dialogue.Less
While Emmanuel Levinas's critique is transcendental, Gabriel Marcel's is “concrete” or “existential”. Marcel's existential critique takes two general forms, although, to all intents and purposes, they amount to the same thing. He either attacks the “spirit of abstraction” that thinks it can understand the whole by abstracting and analyzing a part, or, without explicitly accusing a philosophy of abstraction, points out that it does not account for the fullness of lived experience. This chapter focuses on issues at a confluence of two dialogues. First, between Marcel and Levinas on the question of the existential accuracy of their respective accounts of intersubjectivity and alterity. Second, between Levinas and his (explicit) interlocutors and critics regarding those criticisms in line with the first dialogue.
Dwayne A. Tunstall
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780823251605
- eISBN:
- 9780823252725
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823251605.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, American Philosophy
This chapter examines four ways Marcel battles against the dehumanization of human persons in late Western modernity. First, Marcel criticizes the reduction of human persons to their functions in ...
More
This chapter examines four ways Marcel battles against the dehumanization of human persons in late Western modernity. First, Marcel criticizes the reduction of human persons to their functions in twentieth century western societies. Second, he criticizes the techniques of degradation used on marginalized people in Europe during the Second World War. Third, he criticizes the dehumanizing effects of technology on human persons. His criticism of technology is then compared to Albert Borgmann’s neo-Heideggerian criticism of technology. Fourth, Marcel criticizes the impersonal political ideologies that have led to the death of millions during the first half of the twentieth century.Less
This chapter examines four ways Marcel battles against the dehumanization of human persons in late Western modernity. First, Marcel criticizes the reduction of human persons to their functions in twentieth century western societies. Second, he criticizes the techniques of degradation used on marginalized people in Europe during the Second World War. Third, he criticizes the dehumanizing effects of technology on human persons. His criticism of technology is then compared to Albert Borgmann’s neo-Heideggerian criticism of technology. Fourth, Marcel criticizes the impersonal political ideologies that have led to the death of millions during the first half of the twentieth century.
Brian Treanor
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823226849
- eISBN:
- 9780823235100
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823226849.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The death of the Grand Narrative and the host of questions that followed its demise, like giants rising from the spilled blood of Uranus, are tied directly to what may be ...
More
The death of the Grand Narrative and the host of questions that followed its demise, like giants rising from the spilled blood of Uranus, are tied directly to what may be called “the question of otherness”. This is because otherness is precisely what Grand Narratives seek to do away with. Anything unknown—that is, anything foreign, novel, surprising, disturbing, or otherwise resistant to the neat categories of the Narrative—challenges the comprehensiveness of the Narrative. Grand Narratives will not tolerate otherness; their motto is “a place for everything and everything in its place”. However, the demise of Grand Narratives leaves open the possibility that some things do not have a neat and tidy place within a comprehensive system. In the most basic sense, the question of otherness asks us to consider what it means for something or someone to be other than the self. This book examines the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas and Gabriel Marcel concerning otherness.Less
The death of the Grand Narrative and the host of questions that followed its demise, like giants rising from the spilled blood of Uranus, are tied directly to what may be called “the question of otherness”. This is because otherness is precisely what Grand Narratives seek to do away with. Anything unknown—that is, anything foreign, novel, surprising, disturbing, or otherwise resistant to the neat categories of the Narrative—challenges the comprehensiveness of the Narrative. Grand Narratives will not tolerate otherness; their motto is “a place for everything and everything in its place”. However, the demise of Grand Narratives leaves open the possibility that some things do not have a neat and tidy place within a comprehensive system. In the most basic sense, the question of otherness asks us to consider what it means for something or someone to be other than the self. This book examines the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas and Gabriel Marcel concerning otherness.
