Generosity: Variations on a Theme From Aristotle to Levinas

Abstract

This paper traces the concept and phenomenon of generosity from Aristotle to Emannuel Levinas and beyond. The question motivating this investigation is: must the generous act be restricted by a rational calculation of correct, or prudent, giving? Answers to this question vary. Aristotle and Kant would answer in the affirmative, while Emerson and Levinas would (apparently) not. The bulk of this paper is dedicated to Levinas's characterization of excessive generosity as a condition for the fundamental ethical relation, namely, the generous welcome of the Other. I end by considering the phenomenon of generosity from the point of view of the mid‐20th century Mexican philosopher, Emilio Uranga.

The School Community’s Role in Educating for Responsibility for Inclusion

“…Levinas calls for disinterestedness in human relations, and therefore, no expectations for any material payments or rewards as the alterity of the other is a reward in itself, an experience of excellence (Levinas 2000, p. 125;2001, pp. 112, 120;2011, p. 58;Sanchez 2010).…”

Generosity: A Preliminary Account of a Surprisingly Neglected Virtue

“…I have already invoked the language of “gifts” (see also Sanchez , 443). Gifts by their nature are not things one is required to bestow on a recipient.…”

“…I suspect the predominant approach, especially among contemporary Aristotelian philosophers, is to answer “objective” across the board. Aristotle would likely agree, as he famously claimed that “the generous person as well [as every other virtuous person] will aim at what is fine in his giving and will give correctly; for he will give to the right people, the right amounts, at the right time, and all the other things that are implied by correct giving” (Aristotle , 1120a24–26; see also 1120b29–30; Sanchez , 443–44). Philosophers tend to develop general accounts of what a virtue is, and their accounts tend to include objective versions of their conditions.…”

“… See Hunt , 236, 241, and 1987, 218–21, 225; Wallace , 134–35, 140; Machan , 61–63; Kupfer , 359; Sanchez , 443, 447, 450; Stout , 142. For a challenge, see Stangl , 359–60.…”

“…He gives freely, wanting to give, with no practice in the background that requires such giving” (1978, 151). See also Hunt , 244; Machan , 61; Kupfer , 364; Sanchez , 450; Roberts and Wood , 288–89. I find such a requirement plausible and hope to develop it more fully with respect to generosity in future work.…”