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Derrida, Abraham and Responsible Subjectivity

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Author

Summary, in English

Secrecy is a theme in Genesis 22, in Derrida's reading of the story, in which God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. It is about keeping a secret, not secret as in hiding, but rather the secret of an exclusive relationship. This is embarrassing as it is excluding. Accepting this unique relationship by keeping the secret, Abraham demonstrates his willingness to enter into a relationship based on unconditional love. An essential part of this unconditionality and uniqueness is Abraham not referring to anybody or anything outside. He thus takes the responsibility entirely. This may be seen as being centred upon the individual. It may also be seen as a question of taking responsibility, deciding, and taking a stand. Interestingly enough, Abraham must be capable of failing, or in other words he must be capable of deciding not to obey the command. The call is for a unique relationship, but there must be a possibility of not responding to the call. Or, must there?

Publishing year

2016

Language

English

Pages

59-78

Publication/Series

Revue Philosophique de la France et de l'Étranger

Volume

141

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Presses Universitaires de France

Topic

  • Philosophy

Keywords

  • Derrida
  • Abraham
  • Genesis 22
  • Responsibility
  • Subjectivity

Status

Published

Project

  • Interdisciplinärt halvdagsseminarium kring Derridas ’La littérature au secret’

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0035-3833