Indexicalism: The Metaphysics of Paradox

Hilan Bensusan's book explores a metaphysical perspective of the other, human and non-human, that cannot be fully understood. It develops an innovative account of perception through our situated relationship to the non-totalisable Outdoors, with social-political implications through a post-colonial meditation on the sites of Potosi and Yasuni National Park.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Hilan Bensusan delves into the intricate logic and structure of a metaphysics that is fundamentally situated and indexical, presenting a paradoxical addition to the critique of metaphysics. Through his book, Bensusan articulates a metaphysical perspective on the other, encompassing both human and non-human entities (referred to as the "Great Outdoors" by Meillassoux). This perspective, he argues, cannot be fully encompassed or reduced to a singular or univocal whole. Consequently, an innovative account of perception emerges, rooted in our irreducibly situated relationship to this non-totalisable Outdoors.

To further explore the social-political implications of this radical metaphysics, Bensusan conducts a post-colonial meditation on the sites of Potosi and Yasuni National Park. By engaging with analytic and continental philosophy, Bensusan incorporates the insights of Levinas, Whitehead, Heidegger, Kripke, Deleuze, Derrida, Benso, Harman, Garcia, Cogburn, McDowell, and Haraway. This interdisciplinary approach proves transformative for both the critical aspects of their work and contemporary approaches to understanding our world and confronting the responsibilities that arise from our external environment.

In summary, Hilan Bensusan's book offers a profound exploration of metaphysics, perception, and the social-political implications of our situated relationship to the non-totalisable Outdoors. Through his engagement with various philosophical traditions, Bensusan provides a thought-provoking and transformative perspective on the nature of existence and our responsibilities in the world.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474480307