To Leave the Safe Shelter: The Problem of ‘Otherness,’
as seen in the Light of the Philosophy of Dialogue Cover Image
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OPUŚCIĆ BEZPIECZNE SCHRONIENIE. Problem obcości w świetle filozofi i dialogu
To Leave the Safe Shelter: The Problem of ‘Otherness,’ as seen in the Light of the Philosophy of Dialogue

Author(s): Krzysztof T. Wieczorek
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Social Philosophy
Published by: Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II - Instytut Jana Pawła II, Wydział Filozofii
Keywords: otherness; dialogue; agathological experience; topography of being; des-inter-esse-ment

Summary/Abstract: Whether it be desired or not, Europe must face today the problem of her relation to ‘others.’ Temporary solutions will not suffi ce, neither will tightening the borders or founding refugee camps. A thorough and profound reconsideration of the issue is necessary, which calls for seeking inspiration in philosophy. The inspiration in question is found by the author in a critical reading of Martin Buber, Ferdinand Ebner, Franz Rosenzweig, Emmanuel Lévinas, Józef Tischner, and Marcia Sá Cavalcante Schuback. As a result, the author proposes to conceive of the category of ‘otherness’ as relativized to the conditions of a given community of culture, and points to the necessity of taking a clear position on issues such as: (1) whether ‘otherness’ is irreducible and irremovable a trait, or rather a temporary condition that may be overcome; (2) which elements of European culture tradition need to be overcome so that the problem in question may be effectively addressed; (3) whether European philosophy has come to the right conclusions about the tragic events, such as the wars, totalitarianisms and genocide, it has experienced; (4) whether Lévinas is right in pointing to the need for a new ‘grounding’ of ethical relations by means of thinking ‘outside philosophy,’ which presupposes an ‘ontological rupture’ for the sake of a specific désintéressement. The author seeks his own answers to the above questions so that the present status of the phenomenon of ‘otherness’ may be understood better.

  • Issue Year: 30/2017
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 76-103
  • Page Count: 28
  • Language: Polish
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