The World to Come: Writings on Ethics and Politics

The messianic idea of redemption is based on a qualitative distinction between the unredeemed world and the world to come, which cannot be grasped as transition or mediation. Saitya Brata Das renews this task of the unconditional, drawing ethico-political implications from it that open up the infinitude of the future from the heart of our finitude.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

At the core of messianic thinking lies an unwavering belief in redemption. The messianic concept of unconditionalness stems from a qualitative distinction between the unredeemed world and the world to come. It is a fundamental aspect of this messianic idea that this distinction cannot be perceived as a mere transition or mediation. Drawing inspiration from renowned thinkers such as Jacques Derrida, Emmanuel Lévinas, Walter Benjamin, and Franz Rosenzweig, Saitya Brata Das undertakes the challenging task of renewing the unconditional, the task of envisioning "the advent of pure future that is always to come, unencumbered by the constraints of law or confined within the boundaries of the 'worldly.' Through this thought, he unravels profound ethical and political implications, unveiling the boundless potential of the future from the very core of our finite existence. Moreover, he demonstrates that such thinking is the paramount task of our time.

The messianic idea of unconditionality revolves around a profound distinction between the unredeemed world and the world to come. This distinction cannot be understood as a mere transition or mediation, as it represents a qualitative leap. It is essential to this messianic concept that this distinction cannot be grasped in terms of a gradual process or a middle ground. Instead, it demands a radical reimagining of our understanding of the world and our place within it.

To explore this idea further, Saitya Brata Das draws upon the insights of a range of thinkers, including Jacques Derrida, Emmanuel Lévinas, Walter Benjamin, and Franz Rosenzweig. These thinkers have significantly contributed to the study of messianic thinking and its ethical and political implications. Derrida, for instance, emphasizes the importance of deconstruction in understanding the complexities of language and meaning. Lévinas, on the other hand, explores the concept of the "other" and its implications for human relationships and ethics. Benjamin, renowned for his analysis of the concept of history, emphasizes the role of the messianic in shaping the future. Rosenzweig, a Jewish philosopher, explores the relationship between religion and secularism and their implications for the future.

By drawing upon these diverse perspectives, Saitya Brata Das renews the task of the unconditional, the task of thinking "the advent of pure future that is always to come, unenclosed in the bounds of law or in the cages of the 'worldly.' This thought carries profound ethical and political implications. It challenges us to reimagine our relationship with the world and with each other, to break free from the constraints of our past and to embrace the possibilities of a new and better future. It also raises important questions about the role of religion, secularism, and other forms of belief in shaping our collective destiny.

In conclusion, the messianic idea of unconditionality lies at the heart of messianic thinking. It is based upon a qualitative distinction between the unredeemed world and the world to come, and it demands a radical reimagining of our understanding of the world and our place within it. By drawing upon the insights of a range of thinkers, Saitya Brata Das renews the task of the unconditional, the task of thinking "the advent of pure future that is always to come, unenclosed in the bounds of law or in the cages of the 'worldly.' This thought carries profound ethical and political implications, challenging us to reimagine our relationship with the world and with each other and to embrace the possibilities of a new and better future.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032365497