The brave struggle: Jan Patočka on Europe's past and future. Issue 47 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tava, Francesco
• Is Part Of: Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology. Issue 47:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 242
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Phenomenology -- Periodicals; Fenomenologie; Filosofie; Phénoménologie -- Périodiques; Phenomenology; Periodicals; 142.7
• DOI: 10.1080/00071773.2016.1180854
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1773

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article proposes to investigate Jan Patočka's idea of "post-Europe", in the context of his understanding of European contemporary history. Therefore, I first stress how important it is for Patočka to conceive a "post-European perspective", i.e. a peculiar insight into historical problems and conflicts that would allow humanity to find a possible path out of the condition that characterizes the twentieth century. Second, I focus on the existential figure that, according to Patočka, is capable of engendering this perspective, and whose fundamental traits are equality, detachment, openness and courage. Thus, I consider Husserl's idea of Europe, Arendt's concept of the political and Bergson's concept of the open soul as fundamental references for Patočka's reconstruction. I conclude by showing how Patočka's ethical stance on Europe and post-Europe can also be meaningful in light of the current European economic and political crisis.