Best known for his theories of ethics and responsibility, Emmanuel Levinas was one of the most profound and influential thinkers of the last century. In this clear, accessible guide, Seán Hand examines why Levinas is increasingly fundamental to the study of literature and culture today. Exploring the intellectual and social contexts of his work and the events that shaped it, Hand considers: the influence of phenomenology and Judaism on Levinas’s thought key concepts such as the ‘face’, the ‘other’, ethical consciousness and responsibility Levinas’s work on aesthetics the relationship of philosophy and religion in his writings the interaction of his work with historical discussions his often complex relationships with other theorists and theories Emmanuel Levinas’s unique contribution to theory set an exemplary standard for all subsequent thought. This outstanding guide to his work will prove invaluable to scholars and students across a wide range of disciplines - from philosophy and literary criticism through to international relations and the creative arts.

西恩·漢德是英國華威大學法語教授和法國研究係主任。他的主要研究興趣集中於20世紀的法語寫作和法國哲學。

譯者簡介

王嘉軍，華東師範大學中文係教師，博士生。