Groping the Untouchable: Touching and Being Touched Cover Image

Apčiuopti Neapčiuopiamą: Prisiliesti Ir Būti Palytėtam
Groping the Untouchable: Touching and Being Touched

Author(s): Rolandas Bartkus
Subject(s): Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion, Cognitive Psychology, Ontology
Published by: Visuomeninė organizacija »LOGOS«
Keywords: touching; touch; being touched; intention; encounter; reality; transformation;

Summary/Abstract: In this article experience of touch is discussed not so much in a sensual as in a spiritual sense. The distinction of touching and being touched unfolds in the opposites of active and contemplative attitudes, transcendental and ontological reflections and other contrapositions. In various contexts, the direction of intention is shown to be an essential condition of the experience of touch. Intention limits and assures the encounter with alterity and manifestation of transcendence. Finally, the article clarifies that faith, which opens the „vent“ of being, unifies touching and being touched. Through the gap which is scorched by the thirst of transcendence, the hunger of God and the desire of Infinity, the beyond penetrates by blessedly touching and transforming reality. Revived and gifted with hope and love, the heart rejoices in a simple truth hidden deeply and discovered anew: the one touching is touched himself.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 87
  • Page Range: 65-69
  • Page Count: 5
  • Language: Lithuanian