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A Comparative Study on the Ethical Accounts of Ontology in Heidegger and Levinas

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2024, (58), pp.281-306
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology
  • Received : March 15, 2024
  • Accepted : April 22, 2024
  • Published : April 30, 2024

ShinHyung Seong 1

1숭실대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Humanity, who has experienced the horrors of war in the 20th century and lived while facing the threat of destruction of existence, is currently facing the possibility of mass extinction due to environmental crisis. This study seeks to explore the meaning of existence to find an ethical answer to this situation. To this end, this study focuses on Heidegger and Levinas, the two philosophers who most intensely explored the meaning of existence during the 20th century’s war situation. Levinas, who founded the ethics of the Other in the 20th century, followed Heidegger and criticized Heidegger most severely. Therefore, this research delves into the ontological difference between Heidegger and Levinas by focusing on their ethical signification. Both philosophers’ understandings of ontology show us their philosophical and moral implications regarding humanization and responsibility. Human subjectivity cannot become the truthful agency for human progress without understanding human-relatedness. Humanization comes from the awareness of Being-in-the-world, and the immediate response (responsibility) is necessary for beings to be humanized as “human beings” who have “humanity.” The differences between both thinkers would be helpful in understanding the philosophical foundation of ethics during the twentieth century in terms of post-modernity. Furthermore, it will provide the ethical reflection necessary in today’s era when we face the possibility of mass extinction of existence.

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