The Potential Contribution of the Philosophy of Jean-Luc Marion to Discourse in the Post-Secular Public Sphere

Konstantin F. Tringas

(practical information below)

Abstract

Abstract: This presentation proposes a thought-experiment by adapting aspects of the philosophy of the French Catholic philosopher Jean-Luc Marion for the discourse of the contemporary public sphere. I briefly recall Jürgen Habermas’ invitation to religion to help overcome current political deficits in political motivation and solidarity in modern Western democracies. His invitation is, however, subject to a translation proviso for religious contributions in the formal public sphere. I propose and discuss three aspects of Marion’s philosophy: (1) Marion’s treatment of the other person as a concrete, rather than as a generalised other, (2) the related argument that our relationship with the other person should be one governed by love and charity (to be rendered in the public sphere as the display of hospitality and friendship to the other person/political participant), and (3) finally that conduct in the public sphere should be guided by the hermeneutic emphasis on the priority of the question, rather than the assertion and defence of a claim, which mirrors Marion’s own emphasis on the priority of the call of givenness. My argument is that these aspects of Marion’s philosophy require an amendment and development before they can make a positive contribution in the political public sphere, but that this is not due to Habermas’ concern with religiosity per se, but because of other factors, principally the distinction between the private/public and the philosophical/practical.

Practical information

Public Transport: Trams: 109 (to Box Hill), 12 (to Victoria Gardens): Tram, stop 13 (Landsdowne St. ACU).

Buses: From City: 302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908. Stop: ACU.

Nearest Train Station: Parliament Station. Exit Macarthur St, go north until Victoria Parade, Turn right, 400 metres (CTC building corner of Victoria Parade and Eades St, - the Southern Side of Vic Parade, located across from what was until very recently - the Dallas Brooks Hall).

Parking along Vic Parade and at the ACU (on Young St).

The Treacy boardroom is on the ground floor, very close to the reception desk of the Thomas Carr Centre, which is the campus building at 278 Victoria Pde. There is a wheelchair-friendly toilet/bathroom on the same ground floor a short distance from the boardroom.acy boardroom is on the ground floor, very close to the reception desk of the Thomas Carr Centre, which is the campus building at 278 Victoria Pde. There is a wheelchair-friendly toilet/bathroom on the same ground floor a short distance from the boardroom.