Analyzing Subjectification With Levinas’s Ethical Philosophy in a Postanthropocentric Discussion: Using the Method of Transposition

• In Event: Constructing the Subject: Youth, Listening, Schools

Abstract

This paper analyses subjectification, based on Biesta's identification of the three major functions of education: qualification, socialization and subjectification. An ethical approach is used based on Levinas' philosophy. Biesta and Levinas raise important posthumanist questions, but without considering anthropocentrism. Therefore, the aim is to place Levinas in a post-anthropocentric discussion.

To do so, Braidotti's method of transposition is introduced for philosophy of education, which helps bring to light the importance of transposing ideas between contexts. Levinas' notion of the other as a human other is transposed to a more-than-human other. Levinas' notion of infinity is transposed together with Braidotti's term becoming, showing subjectification with an ethical starting point and a postanthropocentric discussion. Accordingly, the concept of becoming-infinity is introduced.

Author

• Simon Ceder, Lund University