Abstract

In 1961, Emmanuel Levinas published his seminal work Totality and Infinity: An Essay on Exteriority1 in which he proposed his theory: ethics as First philosophy. Levinas proposes that an ethical relationship with an "infinitely other", a relationship that is based on a face-to-face encounter is what can save humanity from violence. In 1967, Jacques Derrida published an essay, "Violence and Metaphysics"2, in which he responded to Levinas and criticized him for committing "violence" towards Greek logos. According to Derrida, Levinas's philosophy is in contradiction with the premises of Greek philosophy and language. This paper examines both texts and further explores the question of violence.

Department

Philosophy Department

Degree Name

MA in Philosophy

Graduation Date

2-1-2018

Submission Date

June 2017

First Advisor

Stelzer, Steffan

Committee Member 1

Melaney, William

Extent

49 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

Download

Share

COinS