Routledge - Levinas and the Political (Thinking the Political)

Explore the deep connection between the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas and the realm of politics in this academic work by Howard Caygill. This book provides a systematic investigation into how Levinas' thought addresses political realities, starting from his early writings during the era of National Socialism to his later, debated statements on French and Israeli politics. Caygill examines core philosophical themes including the deconstruction of metaphysics, embodiment, the face, and alterity. By looking at Levinas' engagement with contemporaries like Heidegger and Bataille, the text offers a new way to understand the implications of his work for the study of the Holocaust. This volume is essential for readers looking to move beyond standard interpretations of Levinas and gain a deeper understanding of his political rethinking.