Slavoj Zizek. Plea for Ethical Violence. 2004 2/6

Summary

This video script explores Emmanuel Levinas' ethical philosophy, focusing on the profound relationship between the self and the Other, symbolized by the 'face.' The script discusses the non-linguistic, ethical encounter that precedes truth, emphasizing responsibility, asymmetry, and the presence of the Third. Levinas' critique of psychoanalysis, biopolitics, and his differentiation between Judaism and Christianity are examined, highlighting his rejection of self-preservation in favor of ethical responsibility. The script ultimately poses questions about the nature of responsibility and power, drawing parallels with colonialist ideologies, making it a critical reflection on contemporary ethics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Judaism emphasizes the ethical encounter with the face of the other, which serves as a foundation for truth.
• 🤝 Levinas argues that the face guarantees authenticity and allows us to transcend the circularity of symbolic language.
• 🔄 The psychoanalytic process is critiqued for its potential to lead to the loss of one's identity and face in revealing intimate fantasies.
• 👥 The presence of a third party complicates the ethical relationship between individuals, raising questions about their connections and responsibilities.
• ⚖️ Levinas believes that ethical responsibility towards the other is asymmetrical and non-reciprocal, demanding more from one party.
• 💡 The moral obligation to care for others highlights the need to question one's right to exist, as it may infringe on others' existence.
• 📜 Levinas critiques Spinoza's notion of self-preservation, suggesting it can lead to usurpation and moral neglect.
• 🌍 He distinguishes between the ethical frameworks of Judaism and Christianity, focusing on the duty to exist without causing harm.
• 💔 The notion of a chosen people carries exceptional duties rather than rights, framing a unique moral responsibility.
• 🤔 Levinas's ethical stance is fundamentally anti-biopolitical, prioritizing ethical relationships over mere biological existence.

Q & A

What is the primary philosophical perspective discussed in the script?

The script primarily discusses the philosophical perspective of Emmanuel Levinas, focusing on the ethical implications of encountering the face of the Other and the asymmetrical responsibility that arises from it.

How does Levinas define the relationship between truth and the encounter with the face?

Levinas posits that the encounter with the Other's face is an Epiphany that precedes truth itself, establishing a foundational ethical relationship that is deeply authentic and transcends mere verbal exchanges.

What critique does the script make about psychoanalysis?

The script critiques psychoanalysis for lacking a true face-to-face intersubjectivity, suggesting that the treatment process can lead to a loss of one's face or identity, undermining the dignity that Levinas attributes to the human face.

What role does the 'Third' play in Levinas's ethical framework?

In Levinas's framework, the 'Third' introduces a new dynamic in ethical relationships, forcing individuals to consider their responsibilities not just to the Other, but also to the broader social context, complicating the direct ethical call from the face of the Other.

What does the script imply about the nature of responsibility?

The script implies that responsibility is asymmetrical; one person holds an infinite responsibility for the Other without expecting reciprocity, emphasizing a moral duty that transcends equal rights.

How does Levinas's view challenge traditional notions of existence?

Levinas challenges the notion that existence is inherently justified by asserting that one's existence can deprive others of their place, raising ethical questions about the right to exist in a world where others are also present.

What critique does Levinas offer against Spinoza's views?

Levinas critiques Spinoza's idea that entities naturally strive for self-preservation, questioning whether this self-interest ultimately results in the exclusion or harm of others, and suggesting that ethical considerations should take precedence over mere existence.

What is the significance of the phrase 'chosen people' in the context of the script?

The phrase 'chosen people' is framed not as a source of pride but as a recognition of exceptional duties. Levinas emphasizes that this awareness entails a moral responsibility to answer the ethical call of the Other.

How does the script relate Levinas's ethics to contemporary biopolitics?

The script contrasts Levinas's ethics, which prioritize responsibility over life itself, with contemporary biopolitics, which focuses on regulating and maximizing life potentials, arguing that Levinas offers a radically different ethical perspective.

What is the 'fantasmatic kernel' of being, and how is it related to identity?

The 'fantasmatic kernel' represents the innermost, often inadmissible aspects of our identity. The script suggests that confronting this core too closely can lead to a disintegration of one's symbolic consistency, resulting in a loss of identity.