180006 LPS Emmanuel Levinas: The trace of the other (2017S)

Emmanuel Levinas (1905-1995) is one of the most important French philosophers of the 20th century. His thought is characterized by the attempt of re-thinking subjectivity, responsibility, and justice, starting from analyses of the relation between the Self and the Other. The central thesis is that the relation to the Other is not primarily to be conceived in epistemic terms, but rather as an ethical relationship.

The pro-seminar provides a text- and discussion-oriented introduction to Levinas' thought. In the course of an intensive analysis of Levinas'; writings - above all within the context of the anthology Die Spur des Anderen - central themes, concepts, and notions of his philosophy of otherness are scrutinized, contextualized, and critically reconstructed. Aiming at a more comprehensive understanding of Levinas' thought, we will start with some crucial philosophical-historical presuppositions of his philosophy (Descartes, Husserl, Heidegger).

At the same time, the pro-seminar understands itself methodically as a theme-oriented introduction to scholarly work techniques and furthers practical competences in the professional work with philosophical literature. Thereby, the main focus is on the practice of philosophical reading skills as well as on the oral and written discussion of philosophical arguments and concepts.

Essential support for the course is provided by the tutorial of Michael Zangerl (michael.zangerl@univie.ac.at). The tutorial takes place weekly on Thursday from 16:45-18:15.