Main / Authors

Emmanuel Levinas - Biography

Levinas (Emanuel Levinas) is a name associated with the philosophy of ethics, responsibility and relationships between people. A French philosopher of Lithuanian descent, he left an indelible mark on modern philosophy and a contribution to the understanding of human relations and morality. In this biography, we will tell you about the life and philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas, his influence on modern thinking and his important place in the history of philosophy of the 20th century.

Emmanuel was born on January 12, 1906 in Kovno, Russian Empire (now Kaunas, Lithuania). His childhood was marked by hard times, including World War I and revolutions. Levinas' family moved to Ukraine, where he received his first education.

In 1923, Emmanuel moved to France to continue his education. He studied philosophy at Sorbonne University and was inspired by the work of philosophers such as Henry Bergson and Edmund Husserl. He also engaged in Judaism and Jewish philosophy, which influenced his future philosophy.

The works of Emmanuel Levinas include such important works as "The Essence of Man" (Existence and Exists) and "Time and the Other" (Time and the Other). He developed a philosophical concept of "ethics of the face," which focused on human relations, morality and responsibility. His style of philosophy is distinguished by its deep analysis and clarity of thought.

A key concept of Levinas' philosophy is "facial ethics." He argued that the human being has a duty to be responsible to another person, and this attitude towards another forms the basis for morality. He emphasized the importance of another person's face, which always surpasses our abstract concepts and requires our responsibility.

Emmanuel had a profound influence on philosophy and modern thinking about morality and relations. His work inspires philosophers, ethicists and researchers in various fields. His emphasis on the significance of the person and responsibility to other people continues to provoke interest and debate.