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Lévinas's Philosophy of the Face: Anxiety, Responsibility, and Ethical Moments that Arise in Encounters with the Other

  • Lewis Liu*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lévinas's philosophy emerges from his critique of the traditional sources of Western philosophy and employs phenomenological methods to transcend the conventional theology and ethics of subjectivity. Through a series of inquiries, Lévinas expands the narrow philosophical vision and problem domain related to the philosophy of the Other. This study examines the profound impact of Lévinas's philosophy on contemporary philosophy and human society, particularly its elucidation of people's anxiety, confusion, and overwhelm with the ethical dimension of life in postmodern society. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, characterized by increased reliance on AI, decreased face-to-face communication, and significant shifts in lifestyle, the study of Lévinas's philosophy gains heightened relevance. As we navigate these changes, Lévinas's insights into anxiety, responsibility, and ethical encounters with the Other offer reflections on human connection and ethical engagement, urging us to reconsider our relationship with technology and prioritize meaningful interactions amidst societal transformations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)440-459
Number of pages20
JournalHuman Affairs
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.

Keywords

  • ethical moment
  • face-to-face
  • Lévinas
  • responsibility
  • the other

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Philosophy
  • Law

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