The Ethical condition of knowledge : A report from the 100 year anniversary of the Levinas seminar on June 19th, 2006 in Kristiansand, Norway

Abstract

This report contains three papers presented at a Levinas seminar held in Kristiansand on June 19, 2006. In an introduction written by Dag G. Aasland, the title of the report “The Ethical Condition of Knowledge” and its meaning are discussed. Here, the Levinasian ethical perspective on knowledge is presented, viewing as it does the development of knowledge as a response to the questioning of others. In the first contribution following this introduction, Asbjørn Aarnes presents the philosophy of Levinas as a response to that of Heidegger. Secondly, Ole Andres Bjerkeset discusses the question of whether one can speak of “meaningful knowledge” according to Levinas. Finally, Roger Burggraeve demonstrates the manner in which Levinas’ knowledge is imparted when applied in the service of justice.