A Philosophy of Belonging: Persons, Politics, Cosmos

James Greenaway's A Philosophy of Belonging explores the concept of belonging as an intrinsic philosophical issue, raising questions of personal self-understanding, identity, mortality, and longing. He offers a hermeneutical framework that brings the intelligibility of belonging into focus and discusses the works of various representative thinkers in light of this hermeneutic. The study is divided into two main parts: "Presence" and "Communion," exploring the abiding presence of the cosmos, the presence of persons to themselves and others, and the unrestricted horizon of meaning that love makes present. Greenaway concludes with a discussion of the consequences of refusing presence and communion and what is involved in the repudiation of belonging.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

A Philosophy of Belonging is a profound exploration of the concept of belonging, encompassing personal, political, and historical dimensions of existence. Author James Greenaway offers a philosophical guide to understanding, affirming, and valuing the significance of belonging in our lives.

A sense of belonging is one of the most profound and meaningful experiences we can have. It is a deep-seated longing that resides within us, yearning for connection, community, and a sense of belonging. Conversely, the experience of not belonging can be incredibly distressing, leaving us feeling isolated, excluded, and alone.

In A Philosophy of Belonging, Greenaway treats the notion of belonging as an intrinsically philosophical one. He argues that belonging raises intense questions of personal self-understanding, identity, mortality, and longing. It confronts interpersonal, sociopolitical, and historical problems, and it probes our relationship with both the knowable world and transcendent mystery. Experiences of alienation, exclusion, and despair become conspicuous only because we are already moved by a primordial desire to belong.

Greenaway presents a hermeneutical framework that brings the intelligibility of belonging into focus. He discusses the works of various representative thinkers in light of this hermeneutic, exploring the abiding presence of the cosmos as the context of personhood and the world, the presence of persons to themselves and others through consciousness and embodiment, and the unrestricted horizon of meaning that love makes present in persons.

The study is divided into two main parts: "Presence" and "Communion." In the first part, Greenaway considers the abiding presence of the cosmos as the context of personhood and the world. He explores the idea that the cosmos is not merely an impersonal and inert entity but a living, breathing organism that is constantly evolving and expanding. He also examines the presence of persons to themselves and others through consciousness and embodiment, highlighting the importance of our subjective experiences and the role of language and imagination in shaping our understanding of the world.

In the second part, Greenaway explores belonging in community as a crucial type of communion that is both politically and historically structured. He discusses the ways in which communities are formed, maintained, and transformed over time, and he explores the political and social implications of belonging. He also examines the quality of communion that is present in communities, emphasizing its direction and sacredness.

Greenaway concludes with a discussion of the consequences of refusing presence and communion. He argues that the refusal to acknowledge our belonging to others and to the world can lead to a sense of isolation, disconnection, and despair. He also explores the potential for healing and growth that can come from embracing our belonging and engaging in meaningful relationships with others and the world.

In conclusion, A Philosophy of Belonging is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of belonging. Author James Greenaway offers a philosophical guide to understanding, affirming, and valuing the significance of belonging in our personal, political, and historical dimensions of existence. Through his hermeneutical framework and discussion of the works of various representative thinkers, Greenaway provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the nature of belonging and its implications for our lives.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268206024