Ethics as First Philosophy and its Implications for Psychotherapists and Counsellors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65828/cm4exy25Keywords:
Knowledge, wisdom, intentionality, non-intentional consciousness, pre- reflective consciousness, consciousness, responsibility, justification, justice.Abstract
In his essay Ethics as First Philosophy (1984) Emmanuel Levinas attempts to show through his analysis of non-intentional consciousness and its relationship with intentional consciousness how this relationship has striking similarities with our relationship with the Other: and how both of these relationships make us first and foremost ethical beings. In the first part of this paper I have attempted to guide the reader through Levinas' analysis that leads to his conclusion that we are ethical beings prior to any other concern. In the second part I have considered critically the implications of the analysis and conclusions of Levinas for therapists and therapy. I have also offered a personal exploration of my own experience of non-intentional consciousness and awareness of the other person.
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References
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