The Problem of Political Foundations in Carl Schmitt and Emmanuel Levinas

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious, Political
Cover of the book The Problem of Political Foundations in Carl Schmitt and Emmanuel Levinas by Gavin Rae, Palgrave Macmillan UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gavin Rae ISBN: 9781137591685
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK Publication: September 17, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Gavin Rae
ISBN: 9781137591685
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication: September 17, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

In this book, Gavin Rae analyses the foundations of political life by undertaking a critical comparative analysis of the political theologies of Carl Schmitt and Emmanuel Levinas. In so doing, Rae contributes to key debates in contemporary political philosophy, specifically those relating to the nature of, and the relationship between, the theological, the political, and the ethical, as well as those questioning the existence of ahistoric metaphysical, ontological, and epistemological foundations. While the theological is often associated with belief in a fixed foundation such as God or the truth of a religion, Rae identifies another sense rooted in epistemology. On this understanding, the ontological limitations of human cognition mean that, ultimately, human truth is based in faith and so can never be certain. The argument developed suggests that Levinas’ conception of the political is grounded in theology in the sense of religion, particularly the revelations of Judaism. For this reason, Levinas claims that the political decision is based on how to implement a prior religiously-inspired norm: justice. Schmitt, in contrast, develops a conception of the political rooted in epistemic faith to claim that the political decision is normless. While sympathetic to Schmitt’s conception of theology and its relationship to the political, Rae concludes by arguing that the emphasis Levinas places on responsibility is crucial to understanding the implications of this. The continuing relevance of Schmitt’s and Levinas’ political theologies is that they teach us that, while the political decision is ultimately normless, we bear an infinite responsibility for the consequences of this normless decision.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this book, Gavin Rae analyses the foundations of political life by undertaking a critical comparative analysis of the political theologies of Carl Schmitt and Emmanuel Levinas. In so doing, Rae contributes to key debates in contemporary political philosophy, specifically those relating to the nature of, and the relationship between, the theological, the political, and the ethical, as well as those questioning the existence of ahistoric metaphysical, ontological, and epistemological foundations. While the theological is often associated with belief in a fixed foundation such as God or the truth of a religion, Rae identifies another sense rooted in epistemology. On this understanding, the ontological limitations of human cognition mean that, ultimately, human truth is based in faith and so can never be certain. The argument developed suggests that Levinas’ conception of the political is grounded in theology in the sense of religion, particularly the revelations of Judaism. For this reason, Levinas claims that the political decision is based on how to implement a prior religiously-inspired norm: justice. Schmitt, in contrast, develops a conception of the political rooted in epistemic faith to claim that the political decision is normless. While sympathetic to Schmitt’s conception of theology and its relationship to the political, Rae concludes by arguing that the emphasis Levinas places on responsibility is crucial to understanding the implications of this. The continuing relevance of Schmitt’s and Levinas’ political theologies is that they teach us that, while the political decision is ultimately normless, we bear an infinite responsibility for the consequences of this normless decision.

More books from Palgrave Macmillan UK

Cover of the book The International Workers’ Relief, Communism, and Transnational Solidarity by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book The Bicycle — Towards a Global History by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Shakespeare and the Urgency of Now by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Religious Conversions in the Mediterranean World by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Identity and Upbringing in South Asian Muslim Families by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book The International Corporate Governance System by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Political Legitimacy beyond Weber by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Negotiating Gender and Diversity in an Emergent European Public Sphere by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book A Global History of Trade and Conflict since 1500 by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Hollywood Before Glamour by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Empowering Women in Work in Developing Countries by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book The Evolution of Ethics by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Cross-Border Higher Education and Quality Assurance by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book Scenario Planning - Revised and Updated by Gavin Rae
Cover of the book How Gangs Work by Gavin Rae
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy