Wittgenstein and Levinas: Ethical and Religious Thought (Routledge Studies in Twentieth-Century Philosophy)

Wittgenstein and Levinas examines the oft-neglected relationship between the philosophies of two of the most important and notoriously difficult thinkers of the twentieth century. By bringing the work of each philosopher to bear upon the other, Plant navigates between the antagonistic intellectual traditions that they helped to share. The central focus on the book is the complex yet illuminating interplay between a number of ethical-religious themes in both Wittgenstein's mature thinking and Levinas's distinctive account of ethical responsibility. Ludwig Wittgenstein And Emmanuel Levinas Are Two Of The Most Influential And Challenging Thinkers Of The Twentieth Century. Despite This, Their Writings Are Seen As Coming From Opposed Philosophical Camps And As A Result Little Work Has Been Done Comparing The Two Philosophers. This Book Explores The Hitherto Neglected Affinities And Tensions Between Their Philosophies, And The Often Antagonistic Intellectual Traditions Each Represents. This Unique Book Demonstrates How A Critical Engagement With Wittgenstein And Levinas Facilitates A Rethinking Of Some Of The Most Pressing Religious, Ethical And Political Problems Facing The Twenty-first Century. As Such, The Book Will Be Of Use To Postgraduate Students Of Continental And Analytic Philosophy, As Well As Those Interested In Contemporary Theology.--jacket. 1. Peaceful Thoughts : Philosophy As Therapy In Pyrrhonism And Wittgenstein -- 2. Trusting In A World-picture : Knowledge, Faith And Ethics After On Certainty -- 3. Pluralism, Justice And Vulnerability : Politicizing Wittgenstein -- 4. Interlude : On Preferring Peace To War -- 5. Wretchedness Without Recompense : Wittgenstein On Religion, Ethics And Guilt -- 6. Trespassing : Guilt And Sacrifice In Heidegger, Levinas And Ordinary Life -- 7. The Unreasonableness Of Ethics : Levinas And The Limits Of Responsibility -- 8. Contaminations : Levinas, Wittgenstein And Derrida. Bob Plant. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [269]-285) And Index. This book explores the hitherto neglected affinities between Ludwig Wittgenstein and Emmannuel Levinas, two of the most important and challenging thinkers of the 20th century