‘I am Here’, Abraham Said: Emmanuel Levinas and Anthropological Science

Emmanuel Levinas' philosophical work challenges anthropology's claim to knowledge of the human, emphasizing the secrecy of subjectivity and the mystery of otherness. This book explores how anthropology can meet this challenge by defining itself as a science and a humanistic documentation of social life, offering a radical conclusion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2024
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Emmanuel Levinas' philosophical work on 'the Other' presents a significant challenge to the discipline of anthropology, which claims knowledge of the human. Levinas argues that the 'secrecy of subjectivity' – a fundamental aspect of the human condition – necessitates an ethics of ignorance and not-knowing. The mystery of otherness can only be approached through 'inspiration'. Can anthropology meet this Levinasian challenge if it defines itself as a science as well as a humanistic documentation of social life? This book aims to take Levinasian and anthropological precepts equally seriously and offers a radical conclusion.

Levinas' philosophy emphasizes the importance of the 'Other' in human existence. The 'Other' is not merely an object or a subject, but a unique and irreducible presence that challenges our understanding of the world. Levinas argues that the 'secrecy of subjectivity' arises from the fact that we are always already in relation to others, and that this relation is characterized by a fundamental asymmetry. We cannot fully know or understand the Other, and this lack of knowledge is a source of anxiety and suffering.

Levinas proposes an ethics of ignorance and not-knowing as a response to this challenge. He suggests that we should approach the mystery of otherness with a sense of awe and reverence, and that we should not seek to control or manipulate the Other. Instead, we should strive to be present to the Other and to listen to their voice.

Anthropology, on the other hand, has traditionally defined itself as a science that seeks to understand the human through empirical research. This approach has been criticized for its tendency to objectify the Other and to reduce them to a set of data. Anthropologists have often been accused of perpetuating colonialism and other forms of oppression by treating the Other as a mere object of study.

However, anthropology can also be a humanistic documentation of social life. Anthropologists can use their skills and knowledge to help the Other to improve their lives and to promote social justice. This can involve working with communities to develop sustainable practices, to address social inequality, and to protect cultural heritage.

In order to meet the Levinasian challenge, anthropology must embrace a more ethical approach. Anthropologists must recognize the importance of the 'Other' in human existence and must strive to approach the mystery of otherness with a sense of awe and reverence. They must also be willing to listen to the Other and to work with them to develop solutions to their problems.

One way that anthropology can meet the Levinasian challenge is by adopting a more participatory approach. Participatory anthropology involves working with communities to develop research projects that are designed to meet their needs and interests. This approach can help to build trust and to promote social justice.

Another way that anthropology can meet the Levinasian challenge is by adopting a more reflexive approach. Reflexive anthropology involves reflecting on the researcher's own position and on the impact of their research on the Other. This approach can help to avoid the perpetuation of colonialism and other forms of oppression.

However, it is important to note that meeting the Levinasian challenge is not easy. Anthropologists must be willing to challenge their own assumptions and to be open to new ideas. They must also be willing to work with communities that may be resistant to change.

In conclusion, Emmanuel Levinas' philosophical work on 'the Other' presents a significant challenge to the discipline of anthropology. Anthropology must embrace a more ethical approach in order to meet this challenge. This can involve adopting a more participatory approach, a more reflexive approach, and a willingness to work with communities that may be resistant to change. By doing so, anthropology can help to promote social justice and to improve the lives of the Other.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805394709