Face to Face With Levinas: An Ethical Philosophy Reader by Richard A. Cohen – Featuring an Interview with Emmanuel Levin

Introduction

Face to Face With Levinas is a profound and essential collection that brings together some of the most insightful scholarship on the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas, one of the twentieth century's most influential ethical thinkers. Edited by Richard A. Cohen, this hardcover volume offers Indian students, academics, and philosophy enthusiasts a rare opportunity to engage with Levinas's revolutionary ideas on ethics, responsibility, and the primacy of the Other. The book stands as a cornerstone for anyone seeking to understand the depth of Levinasian thought in a post-Holocaust world, where human connection and moral obligation are more relevant than ever.

Book Overview

This volume is a curated anthology that captures the essence of Levinas's philosophical project through a series of critical essays, reflections, and a landmark interview. It presents a comprehensive exploration of Levinas's central themes—the face-to-face encounter, ethical responsibility, and the critique of totalizing ontology. The book serves as both an introduction for newcomers and a deep dive for seasoned scholars, offering a balanced mix of accessible commentary and rigorous academic analysis. Published by the State University of New York Press, this edition is a testament to the enduring significance of Levinas's work in contemporary philosophy.

Key Highlights

• Exclusive Interview with Levinas: Features a revealing conversation with Emmanuel Levinas conducted by Richard Kearney, where he clarifies his philosophy and responds to critical questions.
• Renowned Contributors: Includes essays by Maurice Blanchot, Luce Irigaray, Theodore De Boer, Adriaan Peperzak, Jan de Greef, and Alphonso Lingis—some of the most respected voices in Levinas studies.
• Balanced Perspectives: Offers a range of interpretations from imaginative literary reflections to rigorous academic critiques, providing a holistic understanding of Levinas's thought.
• Ethical Focus: Centers on the ethical dimension of Levinas's philosophy, emphasizing the infinite responsibility one holds toward the Other.
• Hardcover Quality: A durable edition suitable for library collections, university courses, and personal study.

Inside the Book

The book is structured around a series of scholarly essays that delve into Levinas's key concepts, including the face, the trace, substitution, and the critique of Heideggerian ontology. The opening interview by Richard Kearney serves as an accessible gateway, allowing readers to grasp Levinas's ideas in his own words. Subsequent chapters explore the ethical implications of his work, the relationship between Judaism and philosophy, and the challenges his thought poses to traditional Western metaphysics. Each contribution is carefully chosen to illuminate different facets of Levinas's philosophy, making the book a rich resource for interdisciplinary study.

Key Topics

• The Face-to-Face Encounter: The foundational ethical relation where the Other's face commands an infinite responsibility.
• Ethics as First Philosophy: Levinas's radical claim that ethics, not ontology, is the primary mode of philosophical inquiry.
• Critique of Totality: A rejection of systems that reduce the Other to the Same, advocating for an openness to alterity.
• Responsibility and Subjectivity: How the self is constituted through its responsibility for the Other, even unto substitution.
• Judaism and Philosophy: The influence of Jewish thought on Levinas's ethical framework.

Reader Benefits

This book offers Indian readers a chance to engage with continental philosophy at its most humane. It provides a clear entry point into Levinas's dense yet rewarding ideas, helping students and researchers navigate complex ethical questions. The diverse essays ensure multiple perspectives, enriching one's understanding of moral philosophy, phenomenology, and postmodern thought. Additionally, the hardcover format makes it a lasting addition to any academic or personal library, ideal for repeated reference and study.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain a thorough understanding of Levinas's concept of the face-to-face relation and its ethical implications.
• Learn to critique traditional Western ontology from a Levinasian perspective.
• Develop the ability to analyze contemporary ethical issues through the lens of infinite responsibility.
• Appreciate the dialogue between Levinas's philosophy and other major thinkers like Blanchot and Irigaray.
• Acquire skills to apply Levinasian ethics to fields such as political theory, religious studies, and literary criticism.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for postgraduate and doctoral students in philosophy, especially those specializing in continental philosophy, ethics, or phenomenology. It is also highly valuable for scholars in religious studies, political science, and cultural theory who wish to explore the ethical turn in modern thought. Undergraduate students with a strong interest in philosophy will find the interview and introductory essays accessible. Additionally, anyone curious about the ethical dimensions of human relationships—teachers, writers, and thinkers—will benefit from this profound work.

About the Author

Richard A. Cohen is a distinguished scholar of Jewish philosophy and continental thought. He has written extensively on Emmanuel Levinas and is known for his clear, insightful interpretations of Levinasian ethics. Cohen's editorial work brings together leading voices in the field, ensuring that this collection remains a definitive resource. His expertise bridges the gap between rigorous academic scholarship and accessible philosophical writing, making him an ideal guide for readers exploring Levinas's challenging ideas.

About the Publisher

The State University of New York (SUNY) Press is a renowned academic publisher known for its high-quality books in philosophy, cultural studies, and the humanities. With a commitment to scholarly excellence, SUNY Press has published seminal works by leading thinkers, including many titles on continental philosophy and Jewish thought. This edition reflects their dedication to making complex philosophical ideas available to a global audience, including students and researchers in India.

Conclusion

Face to Face With Levinas is more than a book—it is an invitation to rethink the foundations of ethics and human connection. For Indian readers navigating a world of diverse cultures and pressing moral questions, this collection offers timeless wisdom on how to encounter the Other with genuine responsibility. Whether you are a philosophy student, a teacher, or a lifelong learner, this hardcover volume will challenge and inspire you to see ethics as the very heart of existence. Add this essential work to your library and embark on a transformative intellectual journey.