Apophatic Community: Yannaras on Relational Being

For Martin Heidegger the story of Western philosophy ended basically in egocentrism or the metaphysics of “subjectivity”; however, he acknowledged the possibility of another path in Greece: that of pre-Socratic thinking. Yet, there is a further path he did not acknowledge: the tradition of Orthodox philosophy and theology. The paper focuses on some key works of the prominent contemporary Greek philosopher Christos Yannaras, for a long time professor in Athens. Taking over the notions of “Being” and ontology, Yannaras construes them (with Heidegger) not as ontic “substances” amenable to epistemic knowledge, but as guideposts to “relational” or participatory experience. His early text On the Absence and Unknowability of God: Heidegger and the Aeropagite explores the (at least partial) affinity between the German thinker and the Orthodox stress on “apophaticism.” For Yannaras, apophaticism profoundly reorients philosophical inquiry; it also has important implications for human “personhood” and “freedom.” Far from denoting individuation, personhood for him means a face (prosopon) standing out toward others, just as freedom transcends self-will in the direction of a relational event. By way of conclusion, I probe the status of relational “community.” For Yannaras, I ask, is community a concretely achieved way of life (exemplified by the Orthodox Church); or does it point more apophatically (and prophetically) to a future advent

Governo global e diversidade cultural

The author promotes the discussion about the intertwining or interpenetration of globalism and cultural diversity. The first section examines the notion of global governance as it appears both from "idealist” and “realist” perspectives. In the next part, the focus shifts to the dimension of cultural diversity, by examining the question whether “culturalism ” thwarts or perhaps aids the pursuit of globalism. By way of conclusion, the article deals with the correlation of globalism and cultural diversity by concentrating on some salient features of the emerging global “civil society ”.L 'article fait une discussion sur I 'entrelacement du globalisme avec la diversite culturelle. Au debut, il analyse la nation de governemment global, selon les points de vue “idealiste” et “realiste”. Aprés, il relève la dimension de la diversité culturelle, en examinant si le culturalisme est en oposition au globalisme ou, au contraire, il contribue à la recherche du globalisme. En conclusion, Tarticle veut montrer des caracteristiques três importantes de la societé civile globale qui émerge.O artigo promove a discussão sobre o entrelaçamento ou a interpenetração do globalismo com a diversidade cultural. Na primeira parte, examina a noção de governança global, nas perspectivas “idealista” e “realista”. Na seguinte, o enfoque ressalta a dimensão da diversidade cultural, examinando a questão de se o “culturalismo” contraria ou talvez auxilie na busca do globalismo. Na conclusão, o artigo concentra-se em mostrar algumas características proeminentes da “sociedade civil” global emergent

Reason and Dialogue: My Road to Intercultural Studies

In general terms, the preference for dialogue and mutual understanding was present in all my intercultural studies—starting with the German-French encounter in my youth. My forays into different cultures and religions were never prompted by idle touristic curiosity nor by scholastic pedantry, but by a practical impulse: to find out how—coming from very diverse backgrounds—people can yet live peacefully and justly in this world. In this short essay, I reflect about my journey through philosophy in a global setting

Integral Pluralism: Beyond Culture Wars

In addition to war, terrorism, and unchecked military violence, modernity is also subject to less visible but no less venomous conflicts. Global in nature, these “culture wars” exacerbate the tensions between tradition and innovation, virtue and freedom. This book charts a course beyond these persistent but curable dichotomies. Consulting diverse fields such as philosophy, literature, political science, and religious studies, the book equates modern history with a process of steady pluralization. This process, which the book calls “integral pluralism,” requires new connections and creates ethical responsibilities. The book critically compares integral pluralism against the theories of Carl Schmitt, the Religious Right, international “realism,” and so-called political Islam. Drawing on the works of James, Heidegger, Gadamer, and Merleau-Ponty, it offers solutions for the conflicts of the modern world.https://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_political_science_international_relations/1031/thumbnail.jp

In Search of the Good Life: A Pedagogy for Troubled Times

To whom should we look for moral guidance during times of global violence, scarcity, and corruption? For two millennia, Aristotle\u27s writings have taught that the ethically “good life” is the highest purpose of human existence. This book traces the development of this notion, illuminating the connections between Greek philosophy, Judeo-Christian tradition, Eastern religions, and postindustrial social criticism. This is, however, not merely an academic exercise. The book\u27s investigations apply directly to a number of contemporary issues: the relevance of the classics, the global spread of democracy, appropriate responses to evil, and the public role of religion in a democracy. It reinvigorates the notion of the good life as a hallmark of personal conduct, civic virtue, and political engagement, seeking to roust a complacent and self-indulgent citizenry out of a fog of modern amusements and distractions.https://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_political_theory/1005/thumbnail.jp

Return to Nature: An Ecological Counterhistory

Sustainability has become a compelling topic of domestic and international debate as the world searches for effective solutions to accumulating ecological problems. This book demonstrates how nature has been marginalized, colonized, and abused in the modern era. Although nature was regarded as a matrix that encompassed all beings in premodern and classical thought, modern Western thinkers tend to disregard this original unity, essentially exiling nature from human life. By means of a philosophical counterhistory leading from Spinoza to Dewey and beyond, the book traces successive efforts to correct this tendency. Grounding the text in a holistic relationism that reconnects humanity with ecology, this book pleads for the reintroduction of nature into contemporary philosophical discussion and sociopolitical practice. This book unites learning, intelligence, sensibility, and moral passion to offer a multifaceted history of philosophy with regard to our place in the natural world. This book\u27s visionary writings provide an informed foundation for environmental policy and represent an impassioned call to reclaim nature in our everyday lives.https://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_environmental_sciences/1009/thumbnail.jp