In praise of foolish conviviality: Some thoughts on the unthinkable connection between tradition, spontaneity and ethics

In this article, conviviality is examined as a constitutive part of human life. On the basis of (ethnographic) examples and discussion, it is maintained that it is a fundamental good, necessary for the valuation of most other goods. The role and function of conviviality, however, are often obscured...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of philosophy and theology
Main Author: Abspoel, Peter 1962- (Author)
Format: Electronic/Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Taylor & Francis [2017]
In: International journal of philosophy and theology
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Aristoteles 384 BC-322 BC, Ethica Nicomachea / Blondel, Maurice 1861-1949 / Sociableness
RelBib Classification:KAH Church history 1648-1913; modern history
NBE Anthropology
VA Philosophy
Further subjects:B moral virtues
B Ethics
B Spontaneity
B Tradition
B Transcendence
B Anthropology
B Maurice Blondel
B Christianity
B Hermeneutics
B Hans-Georg Gadamer
B anti-traditionalism
B Aristotle
Online Access: Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:In this article, conviviality is examined as a constitutive part of human life. On the basis of (ethnographic) examples and discussion, it is maintained that it is a fundamental good, necessary for the valuation of most other goods. The role and function of conviviality, however, are often obscured in theory. Aristotle’s view of the virtues still allowed room for it. Most modern scientific and philosophical approaches ascribe a thinkable motive to interactions that stimulate our spontaneity and faith in life, such as the motive of solving problems that can be construed in objective terms (as in neo-Darwinism), or of seeing reality correspond to reflexive representations of life (as in hermeneutics). Maurice Blondel’s critique of intellectualism and his view of tradition are invoked. By accepting conviviality as a prerequisite for human spirituality, we can focus on aspects of Christianity - like a respect for concrete traditions - that tend to disappear into the background when we frame its teachings and promises in intellectual terms. The argument also points to dangers connected with the fact that instrumental logic largely determines the shape of modern life: we easily forget one of the key conditions for experiencing human life as fulfilling and worthwhile.
ISSN:2169-2327
Contains:Enthalten in: International journal of philosophy and theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/21692327.2017.1302813