Emmanuel Levinas: Basic Philosophical Writings

by Robert Bernasconi, Adriaan Theodoor Peperzak, Emmanuel Levinas, et al.

Book Overview

Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1996) has exerted a profound influence on 20th-century continental philosophy. This anthology, including Levinas's key philosophical texts over a period of more than forty years, provides an ideal introduction to his thought and offers insights into his most innovative ideas. Five of the ten essays presented here appear in English for the first time. An introduction by Adriaan Peperzak outlines Levinas's philosophical development...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253210798
• ISBN13: 9780253210791
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

responsibility and the individual

A work of collected writings by a key late-20th century thinker on the ethical obligations and inheritances of the individual in society and culture. Levinas' writings, often complex and seemingly contradictory, represent a kind of journey or exploration toward a philosophical understanding of our ethical condition and its roots. He illuminates key puzzles posed for us in our effort to make "right" choices, and to foresee both their practical and metaphysical implication for the other. This is a rewarding book for readers who want to think deeply about ethics and the other, but often difficult for those not trained in philosophy, or used to extended philosophical argument.

A Good Reader Long-Overdue

*Basic Philosophical Writings* is the first Levinas essay anthology since *Collected Philosophical Papers." Drs. Pepperzak, Crichtly and Bernasconi write wonderful introductions and great notes (even those that Levinas never wrote). An excellent anthology and very textbook-oriented. A must-buy for Levinas scholars!