Being Responsible for the Other

(Last Lecture)

Emmanuel Levinas’ Philosophy of the Human Person

Philosophy Lecture Notes
 Intro to Levinas
• Emmanuel Levinas, a prominent 20th-century philosopher, delves
into the intricacies of responsibility for the other in his seminal work
"Totality and Infinity."
• In this text, Levinas introduces a groundbreaking ethical framework
that challenges traditional Western philosophy's emphasis on
autonomy and self-interest.
• At the core of his philosophy lies the idea of radical alterity, which
posits that the Other—another human being—is fundamentally
different from oneself and cannot be reduced to mere objects of
knowledge or desire.
 Encountering the Other
• Levinas argues that encountering the Other disrupts one's sense of self
and introduces an ethical demand that transcends conventional morality.

• This encounter, which he describes as a face-to-face encounter, compels

the subject to acknowledge the absolute alterity of the Other and
assume responsibility for their well-being.

• This responsibility arises not out of choice or obligation but is inscribed

within the very structure of human existence. It is a primordial ethical
imperative that precedes any conscious decision-making process.
 The Face of the Other
• Central to Levinas' conception of responsibility is the notion of the
"face" of the Other.
• The face represents the unique and irreducible presence of the
Other, which calls forth a response from the self. Unlike objects that
can be categorized, manipulated, or ignored, the face of the Other
resists reduction and demands recognition.
• It is through this recognition that the self becomes aware of its
ethical obligation towards the Other.
 The Face of the Other
• Levinas argues that traditional ethical theories, such as
utilitarianism or deontology, fail to capture the radical nature
of ethical responsibility because they prioritize universal
principles or consequences over the immediate ethical
demand presented by the Other.

• For Levinas, true ethics begins with the encounter with the
face of the Other and the acknowledgment of their infinite
value.
 Ethical Imperative
• Furthermore, Levinas contends that this responsibility for the Other
extends beyond mere acts of charity or benevolence. It requires a
profound transformation of the self, as one's existence becomes
oriented towards the well-being of the Other.

• This ethical relationship is asymmetrical, as the Other's needs take

precedence over one's own desires or interests.

• In assuming this responsibility, the self becomes vulnerable and

exposed, but it is precisely in this vulnerability that genuine ethical
relations are forged.
 Ethical Imperative
• Levinas' concept of responsibility for the Other has profound
implications for various aspects of human existence, including politics,
religion, and interpersonal relationships.

• It challenges individuals to reevaluate their priorities and commitments

in light of their ethical obligations towards others.

• By centering ethics on the encounter with the Other, Levinas offers a

radical alternative to traditional moral philosophy and opens up new
avenues for understanding human responsibility and solidarity.
 Responsibility for the Other
• "I am responsible for all before all men and I more than all the others" is
a central and often quoted statement by Emmanuel Levinas,
encapsulating his profound conception of ethical responsibility. Let's
break down this statement in detail to understand its significance within
Levinas' philosophy:
Ø "I am responsible for all before all men": Levinas begins by asserting a universal
and absolute responsibility that the self bears towards all others. This responsibility
is not contingent upon personal relationships, social affiliations, or shared
identities.

Ø Instead, it arises from the very structure of human existence, where the encounter
with the Other presents an ethical demand that transcends individual interests.
 Responsibility for the Other
Ø "I": The "I" here refers to the self, the subject who encounters the Other. However,
Levinas' understanding of the self is not as an autonomous, self-sufficient entity but
rather as a relational being whose identity is constituted through encounters with
others.
Ø The self is defined by its ethical relation to the Other rather than by its individual
attributes or desires.

Ø "Responsible for all": Levinas emphasizes the inclusivity of ethical responsibility,

extending it to all human beings without exception. This responsibility encompasses not
only those with whom one has personal relationships or affinities but also strangers,
enemies, and even those who may seem insignificant or marginalized in society.

Ø Levinas challenges the tendency to prioritize the needs and interests of oneself or one's
immediate community over those of others.
 Responsibility for the Other
Ø "Before all men": The phrase "before all men" underscores the relational dimension of
responsibility, suggesting that one's ethical obligations exist in the context of interpersonal
encounters. It implies a face-to-face encounter with the Other, where the presence of the
Other confronts the self and calls forth a response.
Ø This encounter disrupts the self's sense of autonomy and prompts it to acknowledge the
Other's infinite value and dignity.

Ø "And I more than all the others": This part of the statement introduces a paradoxical element
that is characteristic of Levinas' philosophy. While emphasizing the universal nature of ethical
responsibility, Levinas also acknowledges the asymmetry inherent in the ethical relationship.
Ø The self is not merely equal to others in terms of responsibility but assumes a unique and
heightened responsibility that surpasses that of others. This does not imply superiority or
privilege but rather a greater vulnerability and exposure to the ethical demand of the Other.
 In a Nutshell
• In essence, Levinas' statement captures the radical nature of
ethical responsibility as a primordial imperative that
transcends individual interests and encompasses all human
beings.

• It challenges the self to recognize the irreducible alterity of the

Other and to assume a profound ethical commitment that
redefines one's understanding of selfhood and relationships
with others.