Political Responsibility for a Globalised World - After Levinas' Humanism

This book explores the ethical implications of responsibility in a globalized world and proposes a theory of strategic co-responsibility to address the uncertain global context of practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

The aim of this book is to delve into the intricate realm of responsibility within the context of a globalized world and contemporary means of action. Levinas' exploration of ethics serves as a point of entry, and it is revealed that he is actively seeking to attain inter-cultural political relevance through engagement with the issues of postcoloniality and humanism. However, Levinas fails to fully grasp the ethical implications of the inevitable instrumental mediation between ethical meaning and political practice. To address this gap, Ernst Wolff proposes a theory of strategic co-responsibility, which is designed to navigate the uncertain global context of practice.

In the book, Levinas delves into the ethical dimensions of responsibility, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the Other and recognizing their inherent worth. He argues that ethics should not be confined to abstract principles but should be rooted in concrete human experiences and relationships. Levinas' exploration of the ethical is framed by his engagement with the issues of postcoloniality and humanism, which highlight the complexities and challenges of living in a diverse and interconnected world.

While Levinas' approach to ethics is insightful and thought-provoking, he fails to fully account for the ethical implications of the inevitable instrumental mediation between ethical meaning and political practice. This mediation involves the use of tools, technologies, and institutions to achieve political goals and address social problems. While these instruments can be valuable in achieving social justice and promoting human well-being, they also have the potential to undermine ethical values and perpetuate power imbalances.

To address this gap, Ernst Wolff proposes a theory of strategic co-responsibility. According to this theory, individuals and organizations are responsible for their actions and decisions, but they are also responsible for the unintended consequences of their actions. Wolff argues that in the uncertain global context of practice, individuals and organizations must work together to develop strategies that balance the pursuit of their interests with the need to promote social justice and human well-being.

One of the key aspects of strategic co-responsibility is the recognition of the interconnectedness of the world. Wolff argues that individuals and organizations cannot operate in isolation from each other and that their actions have the potential to impact people and communities around the globe. Therefore, they must be mindful of the ethical implications of their actions and work towards creating a more just and equitable world.

Another important aspect of strategic co-responsibility is the importance of dialogue and collaboration. Wolff argues that individuals and organizations must engage in open and honest dialogue with each other and with other stakeholders to develop effective strategies and solutions. This requires a willingness to listen to different perspectives and to be open to compromise and collaboration.

In conclusion, the aim of this book is to reflect on the complex practice of responsibility within the context of a globalized world and contemporary means of action. Levinas' exploration of the ethical serves as a point of entry, and it is revealed that he is actively seeking to attain inter-cultural political relevance through engagement with the issues of postcoloniality and humanism. However, Levinas fails to fully grasp the ethical implications of the inevitable instrumental mediation between ethical meaning and political practice. To address this gap, Ernst Wolff proposes a theory of strategic co-responsibility, which is designed to navigate the uncertain global context of practice. This theory emphasizes the importance of individuals and organizations working together to develop strategies that balance the pursuit of their interests with the need to promote social justice and human well-being. By recognizing the interconnectedness of the world and engaging in open and honest dialogue and collaboration, individuals and organizations can contribute to creating a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 228 x 137 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837616941