Emmanuel Levinas (1906–1995) was a Lithuanian-born French philosopher whose Work significantly shaped Contemporary Ethics and Existentialism. He is best known for his ideas on the ethics of the Other, as presented in his seminal works "Totality and Infinity" and "Otherwise than Being." Levinas challenged traditional Western Philosophy by prioritizing ethics over Metaphysics, emphasizing Responsibility and the face-to-face encounter. His profound influence extends across philosophy, Theology, and Jewish Thought, continually inspiring discussions on human relations and ethical behavior.
Anecdotes
- Survived as a prisoner-of-War during WWII, an Experience that profoundly shaped his philosophical outlook.
- Was deeply influenced by Russian Literature, which he credited as a source of ethical inspiration and insight.
- Survived internment as a prisoner of war during World War II, where he deepened his philosophical reflections on ethics and responsibility.
Magnitudes
- Prioritize the ethical responsibility to others.
- Prioritize ethical relationships above personal success.
- Embrace the complexity of ethical relationships.
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