AN EXAMINATION OF LEVINAS' NOTION OF RESPONSIBILITY AND HUMAN SITUATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examines Levinas' notion of responsibility and human situation in Nigeria. It aims at offering an exposition of Levinas' notion of responsibility with a view of juxtaposing it with the contemporary human situation as experienced in Nigeria. It offers a justification of responsibility as hospitality or solidarity with the human other. The face of the other is a face in need and it is an irreplaceable duty of the subject to respond to the needs of the other. This manner of responsibility deconstructs the Heideggerian notion of thrownness of man in the world. The paper is a concise introduction to Levinas' philosophy and his ethics in particular. Hence, it is relevant to those that are encountering him for the first time as well as a resource for Levinasian research. The contents capture phenomenology, ethics, existentialism, politics and Nigerian current affairs. These offer a wide range of knowledge to its readers. The paper employs analysis of notions and concepts as well as their interpretation. This paper adds to the existing studies on Levinas as well as offers alternative to government duties in lieu of human welfare in Nigeria.