Futurity in Phenomenology - (Perspectives in Continental Philosophy) by Neal Deroo (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book examines the methodological significance of the future in the work of Husserl, Levinas and Derrida. In doing so, it reveals phenomenology to be, in its essence, a promissory discipline.

Book Synopsis

From Husserl's account of protention to the recent turn to eschatology in "theological" phenomenology, the future has always been a key aspect of phenomenological theories of time. This book offers the first sustained reflection on the significance of futurity for the phenomenological method itself. In tracing the development of this theme, the author shows that only a proper understanding of the two-fold nature of the future (as constitution and as openness) can clarify the way in which phenomenology brings the subject and the world together. Futurity therefore points us to the centrality of the promise for phenomenology, recasting phenomenology as a promissory discipline.

Clearly written and carefully argued, this book provides fresh insight into the phenomenological provenance of the "theological" turn and the phenomenological conclusions of Husserl, Levinas, and Derrida. Closely examining the themes of protention, eschatology, and the messianic, it will be essential reading for anyone interested in phenomenology, philosophy of religion, deconstruction, or philosophical theology.

Review Quotes

DeRoo's original study of futurity in phenomenology constitutes a close
and methodical reading of some of the most difficult pages written by Husserl, Levinas and Derrida on time and its relation to subjectivity. The effort of opening for us this lucid path through such a dense forest is, without a doubt, worth taking, and the service provided to the reader gratefully appreciated, for a phenomenology that is not understood as essentially open to the future in its multiple modalities of awaiting, anticipation, and eschatology is not worth its name. I see DeRoo's labors in the present book as indispensable for the future of phenomenology.

-----John Panteleimon Manoussakis, College of the Holy Cross

An important contribution to the literature, this volume sees the future of phenomenology as bright indeed. . .Recommended.-- "--Choice"

Futurity in Phenomenology is an important book. It is the only one that places Husserl, Levinas, and Derrida in conversation. In fact, Deroo shows himself to be a master of all three figures. Deroo finds a common ground among the three in the idea that intentionality must be understood through futurity. And what makes Futurity in Phenomenology a true contribution to philosophy is how common ground opens out onto ethical and religious questions.-----Leonard Lawlor, Pennsylvania State University

About the Author

Neal DeRoo is Professor of Philosophy and Canada Research Chair in Phenomenology and Philosophy of Religion at the King's University, Edmonton.