Registration to Departmental Seminar, Department of Philosophy (25 Nov 2024)

Title: Phenomenological Approach to Animal Life

Speaker: Prof. Mintautas Gutauskas (Professor, Vilnius University)

Date: 25 November 2024 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm HK Time
Venue: Room 220, Fung King Hey Building (Limited seats. Registrations will be handled on a first come, first served basis.) with synchronous online broadcasting on Zoom

Abstract:
In the development of the phenomenological tradition, we can distinguish two ways of thinking about the relationship between humans and animals. Each has different motives, questions, and concerns. One is oriented to the difference between humans and animals, the other - to their common core. Until the end of the 20th century, both ways focused mainly on the question of the human. Following the ideas of J. von Uexküll and recognizing that animals are not mere mechanisms, M. Scheler, M. Heidegger, E. Fink tried to draw the essential difference between humans and animals and to define the essence of human. But this definition has been called into question as a manifestation of anthropocentrism. E. Husserl and M. Merleau-Ponty took a different path. They recognized the common core, and their ideas were developed on the basis of intentionality and intercorporeality. But the question of the animal remained as a liminal problem on the margins of phenomenology. Only after the criticism of anthropocentrism and the recognition of the ethical dimension, animals and animality became a real problem in phenomenology. N. Depraz, X. San Martin and M. L. Pintos tried to rethink the human-animal relationship, the structure of empathy, even the nature of transcendental philosophy based on Husserl with a strong ethical motivation. T. Toadvine goes further and, following the ideas of M. Merleau-Ponty, explores the common core with animals on the basis of evolutionary, immemorial past. In this way, however, the question of difference remains underestimated. But the importance of this question has not disappeared. Following Depraz’s four-stage structure of empathy, this presentation will try to bring these two ways together and show how we can think about the human-animal relationship based on interaffectivity and sensitivity to the differences of various forms of life. The theory of empathy can answer questions about the accessibility and inaccessibility of animal consciousness, about the sources of ethical response beyond essential difference and human exceptionalism.

Attend seminar online. No registration is required.
Meeting ID: 959 2108 6433
Link: https://cuhk.zoom.us/j/95921086433

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1. Provision of personal data is voluntary. The information collected will be used for the purposes of events and communication related to the Department and related responsible organization for this event. Only authorized personnel in the Department can access the information. The Department will promote and disseminate information such as talks, services and research information to you by post, email or phone. You have the right to make subsequent changes on your choice of receiving further promotional information by notifying us in written format. 2. Under the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you can access and apply for amendment of the data in this form. Please contact our Institute staff if necessary. 3. The Institute will use the photos and videos taken from events in organizing and promotional purposes. If you do not agree with the relevant arrangements, you may submit your wishes and notify us in written format before the event. I have read, understood and agreed with the above terms and conditions.
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