Ethics, History, Religion. The Limits of the Philosophy of Levinas

Abstract

The primacy of the practice over the theoretical attitude can be considered the core of Levinas’ philosophy. But the question can be asked whether this absolute primacy does adequate justice to the critical function of philosophy. (a) Philosophy necessarily has to submit the ethical (the revelation of the Infinite) to reason in order to prevent it from false interpretations. (b) Secondly, the ethical is linked with a finite world. The ambiguity of this historical reality implies a closer unity between the practical and theoretical. (c) Finally, the welcoming of the Infinite is not purely ethical attitude, but an openness beyond infinite responsibility.