Emmanuel Levinas' Philosophy & Letting the Stranger In

Summary

This video introduces a program underwritten by the Jewish Community Center and the Fund for Interfaith Understanding, focusing on philosopher Emmanuel Levinas' concept of 'letting the stranger in.' Dr. Ira Blood explores Levinas' philosophical approach to ontology, phenomenology, and ethics, particularly how humans understand and interact with others. He emphasizes that understanding the world involves both introspection and engagement with others, advocating for a moral obligation to encounter and embrace 'the stranger' in ethical and communal contexts. The discussion touches on themes of justice, human rights, and social responsibilities.

Takeaways

• 📺 Grassroots TV is a community network that offers on-demand educational, inspiring, and entertaining programming.
• 💻 Viewers are encouraged to visit grassrootsTV.org and follow the network on various platforms like Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Twitter.
• 💡 The program 'Letting the Stranger In' is sponsored by the Jewish Community Center Shabad and Aspen, alongside the Fund for Interfaith Understanding.
• 🎤 The featured speaker, Dr. Ira Blood, discusses philosophy, particularly the works of Emmanuel Levinas.
• 📖 Levinas was a Jewish French philosopher whose work covers Jewish philosophy, ethics, existentialism, phenomenology, and ontology.
• 🧠 Levinas focused on understanding reality, not just through the physical world but also the social and emotional dimensions.
• 🌍 He argued that to understand the world, one must first understand their own perceptions, emotions, and judgments.
• 👤 Levinas emphasized the ethical importance of encountering 'the stranger,' suggesting that respecting different worldviews enriches understanding.
• 🤝 His philosophy promotes engaging with others in a moral way, focusing on mutual respect rather than seeking common agreement.
• ⚖️ Levinas linked ethics and justice by recognizing the limits of human capacity in relationships and responsibilities toward others.

Q & A

What is the central topic of the program 'Letting the Stranger In'?

The central topic of the program is the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas, focusing on his ideas about encountering and understanding the 'other' or 'stranger' in both an ethical and philosophical context.

Who was Emmanuel Levinas?

Emmanuel Levinas was a Jewish French philosopher born in 1906 and died in 1995. He wrote extensively on topics like Jewish philosophy, ethics, existentialism, phenomenology, and ontology.

What are the main philosophical areas mentioned in Levinas' work?

The main philosophical areas mentioned in Levinas' work include ontology (the study of being and reality), existentialism (philosophy focused on the human subject), and phenomenology (the study of experiences and consciousness).

How does Levinas connect his philosophy with the idea of 'the stranger'?

Levinas connects his philosophy with the idea of 'the stranger' by emphasizing that understanding others requires acknowledging one's own biases, emotions, and experiences, while also recognizing the independent existence and perspective of the stranger.

How does Levinas’ philosophy approach ethics?

Levinas’ philosophy approaches ethics by arguing that ethics is not simply a set of external norms but is deeply connected to how we understand and engage with others. He suggests that ethical responsibility begins with encountering and engaging with others, rather than merely following rules.

What does Levinas mean by saying 'the we is not the plural of the I'?

Levinas means that a community is not just a collection of individuals (or 'I's), but a new entity with its own relationships and responsibilities. It recognizes the individuality of its members while creating obligations toward each other.

How does Levinas’ view differ from Kant's perspective on ethics?

Levinas’ view differs from Kant's in that Kant emphasizes respect for others through adherence to universal moral laws, while Levinas focuses on the personal encounter with the 'other' as the foundation of ethical responsibility, even before considering laws or duties.

What does Levinas mean by saying 'when I encounter the other, I command the other to command me'?

Levinas means that in an ethical encounter, the individual takes on the responsibility to allow the other person to impose moral obligations upon them. It reflects a self-imposed duty to be accountable to others in a relationship.

What are some practical lessons we can take from Levinas’ philosophy?

Some practical lessons include recognizing that our own biases shape how we perceive others, understanding that encountering the stranger is a moral act, and accepting ethical obligations toward others, even if they don't reciprocate.

What does Levinas say about the relationship between self-protection and ethical obligations toward the stranger?

Levinas acknowledges that while self-protection is necessary in the face of harmful encounters, dehumanizing others is never justified. Ethical obligations remain, even if they involve managing boundaries to prevent harm.