Customer Reviews

Levinas: An Introduction

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Davis' book takes the reader through Levinas' major works clarifying some of the ideas that have puzzled readers for some time. His discussions on "Totality and Infinity" include expositions of the central ideas and, more importantly, thoughts regarding Levinas' writing style. Davis describes the "Levinas effect" which is often the product of reading his difficult prose. This effect is the tendency of interpreters to use Levinas in order to forward their own ideas. Davis argues that this effect shows us how Levinas has the ability to take the reader beyond Being since the text is constantly questioning and often frustrating the reader. This ability to question the reader is a reflection of the relationship that exists between the "Same" and the "Other," the relationship with which Levinas spent his life writing about. Most importantly, Davis' book takes the reader through other works by showing their relationship to "Totality and Infinity," Levinas' magnum opus. In summary, an essential aid in understanding the thinker because of its chronological discussions of Levinas' major works, from essays on Heidegger and Husserl to the writings on Rabbinic Judaism.

I am very pleased with this book. Davis begins by orienting Lev's work within Husserl's phenomenology and distinguishes Lev from Heidegger. So many thinkers are difficult to comprehend because lousy intro books don't place them in context. Davis elegantly relates the role of ethics in distinction to Heidegger's concerns. He goes deeper by discussing the influence of Descartes and Kant leading to Lev's postmodern ethic. Davis writing is direct, yet still conveys passion for Lev's accomplishments. Finally, he consistently iterates that he is in some ways doing a disservice to Lev by paraphasing his work into a meager introduction. It may have disserved Lev, but it sure helped me and many others. Great book I highly recommend.

just wanted to confirm the sense described in the previous review (and add an additional star) -- this is a very helpful and interesting introduction to Levinas (which is, i think, pretty unusual for intros to french thinkers). it's short and easy to read while also pointing to the complexity in both the thought and reception of Levinas. also, even if you've already read some Levinas, this book can still help orient you within his work by discussing some of the conceptual stakes with which he is engaged.