Paul Ricoeur's Renewal of Philosophical Anthropology: Vulnerability, Capability, Justice

Paul Ricoeur's Renewal of Philosophical Anthropology connects the human ability for self-expression with our capability to speak, act, narrate, remember, and be held accountable. Through the poetic and ethical reconfiguration of our experiences, a reflexive selfhood emerges, able to attest to whom it "stands for," replacing the traditional anthropological question "what is the human?" with "who is the human?" In times of climate change, viral emergency, and democratic crisis, the question of the human is more important than ever, and Ricoeur's exploration of the vulnerable but capable human helps us formulate an answer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his profound exploration of philosophical anthropology, Marc de Leeuw contextualizes Paul Ricoeur's work within the largely overlooked tradition of this discipline. Through his book, de Leeuw unveils how the initial diagnosis of the human as suffering from a primordial deficiency, lack, or "wounded cogito" becomes the driving force behind Ricoeur's phenomenological and hermeneutic renewal of this tradition. By linking the human capacity for self-expression with our ability to speak, act, narrate, remember, and be held accountable, Ricoeur establishes a profound connection between our human essence and the broader realm of human experience.

In the face of climate change, viral emergencies, and democratic crises, the question of the human takes on an unprecedented significance. How can our philosophical self-understanding align with the urgent need to re-evaluate our relationship with the planet, nature, and each other? Paul Ricoeur's intricate exploration of the vulnerable yet capable human provides us with valuable insights to answer this pressing question. Marc de Leeuw's Renewal of Philosophical Anthropology not only revitalizes the tradition of philosophical anthropology but also demonstrates its enduring relevance in shaping our understanding of the human self.

Ricoeur's affirmative anthropology goes beyond mere renewal, as it reveals the profound insights that can be gained from engaging with the human condition. By embracing vulnerability, capability, and justice as central themes, Ricoeur offers a holistic perspective on human existence. Through his hermeneutic approach, Ricoeur encourages us to explore the depths of our experiences, recognizing the complexities and nuances that shape our lives.

In this renewed tradition, de Leeuw emphasizes the importance of poetic and ethical reconfiguration of our experiences. By reimagining our interactions with the world, we can cultivate a reflexive selfhood that attests to our values and beliefs. This selfhood empowers us to redefine our relationship with the planet, nature, and each other, moving beyond a mere sense of responsibility towards a deeper sense of interconnectedness and harmony.

Through his exploration of philosophical anthropology, Paul Ricoeur invites us to reimagine our place in the world and our relationship with the broader human community. By embracing vulnerability, capability, and justice, we can cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends individual existence. This renewed tradition offers us a roadmap for navigating the challenges of our time and building a more sustainable and just future for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498595582