Dan Shaw,
i wonder how you come to the conclusion that Levinas opposes Heidegger
from a Hegelian position? Maybe nothing could be further from his
aims. Levinas seeks to go beyond Heidegger, and not to merely undo
what Heidegger has accomplished in his discussion of being. He speaks
of an infiinte alterity. Perhaps you should read him. And the paper
you so readily dimissed as nonsense!
I think the questions raised by Levinas are critical to any
contemplation today of ethics and existentialism. With regard to film
we must first take issue with what Levinas says about the work of
representation is his earliest work. For instance, he insists in
"reality and its shadow" on a separation between art and ethics. The
face cannot be seen as art. It is a an encounter with the other in
presence.
I do however think his thought is critical to this question of film and
ethics and I'm so glad to see Damon recognizing this. I recommend you
read Levinas prior to composing your issue and finishing your book on
this theme. I don't think you will be disappointed. I think his
thought in very many ways redeems the exile of existentialism that
annoys you.
reni
Reni Celeste, Ph.D.
University of Rochester
http://www.cinemonkeys.com/reni/
On Thursday, July 31, 2003, at 11:20 PM, Shaw, Dan wrote:
> Damon:
>
> It sounds like Levinas is critiquing Heidegger from an Hegelian
> perspective. Intriguing.
>
> Dan
>
>
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