Vladimir Jankelevitch Quotes
- Philosopher
- France
- 1903
Vladimir Jankelevitch was a French philosopher and musicologist known for his contributions to moral philosophy and existentialism. He was born in 1903 in Paris and studied at the Sorbonne, where he later became a professor. Jankelevitch’s work focused on the complexities of human existence an…Read More
Vladimir Jankelevitch was a French philosopher and musicologist known for his contributions to moral philosophy and existentialism. He was born in 1903 in Paris and studied at the Sorbonne, where he later became a professor. Jankelevitch’s work focused on the complexities of human existence and the role of morality in society. He is best known for his concept of “the irreversibility of time,” which explores the idea that the past cannot be changed and the future is uncertain. His notable works include “La Mort” (Death), “Le Pardon” (Forgiveness), and “La Mauvaise Conscience” (Bad Conscience). Jankelevitch’s writings have had a significant impact on French intellectual thought and continue to be studied and debated today.Read Less
Vladimir Jankelevitch was a French philosopher and musicologist known for his contributions to moral philosophy and existentialism. He was born in 1903 in Paris and studied at the Sorbonne, where he later became a professor. Jankelevitch’s work focused on the complexities of human existence and the role of morality in society. He is best known for his concept of “the irreversibility of time,” which explores the idea that the past cannot be changed and the future is uncertain. His notable works include “La Mort” (Death), “Le Pardon” (Forgiveness), and “La Mauvaise Conscience” (Bad Conscience). Jankelevitch’s writings have had a significant impact on French intellectual thought and continue to be studied and debated today.
Vladimir Jankelevitch Career Highlights
- Jankelevitch began his academic career as a professor of philosophy at the University of Lille in 1929. He later taught at the Sorbonne and the École Normale Supérieure in Paris.
- In 1935, Jankelevitch published his first major work, “Le Je-ne-sais-quoi et le Presque-rien,” which explored the concept of “the almost-nothing” in philosophy and literature.
- In 1947, he published “La Mort,” a groundbreaking work on the philosophy of death, which earned him widespread recognition and established him as a leading figure in French philosophy.
- Jankelevitch’s interest in music led him to publish several influential works on the subject, including “La Musique et l’Ineffable” (1942) and “La Musique et l’Âme” (1957).
- In 1967, Jankelevitch was appointed as the chair of moral philosophy at the Sorbonne, a position he held until his retirement in 1973.
- In addition to his academic career, Jankelevitch was also a member of the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences and the French Academy of Fine Arts.
Key Contributions by Vladimir Jankelevitch
- Jankelevitch’s work on ethics and morality was heavily influenced by his Jewish heritage and his experiences during World War II. He emphasized the importance of individual responsibility and the need for ethical action in the face of moral dilemmas.
- His writings on music explored the relationship between music and the human experience, particularly the ways in which music can evoke emotions and transcend language.
- Jankelevitch’s philosophical approach was characterized by his rejection of systematic thinking and his emphasis on the complexity and ambiguity of human existence.
What Sets Vladimir Jankelevitch Apart
- Jankelevitch’s interdisciplinary approach to philosophy, incorporating elements of literature, music, and psychology, set him apart from his contemporaries and made his work unique and influential.
- He was known for his eloquent and poetic writing style, which made his philosophical ideas accessible to a wider audience.
- Jankelevitch’s personal experiences, including his Jewish identity and his time in Nazi-occupied France, deeply influenced his philosophical views and gave his work a sense of urgency and relevance.
Takeaways
- Vladimir Jankelevitch’s work continues to be studied and debated by philosophers, musicologists, and ethicists around the world.
- His emphasis on the complexity and ambiguity of human existence serves as a reminder to approach philosophical questions with humility and an open mind.
- Jankelevitch’s writings on ethics and morality offer valuable insights into the human experience and the importance of individual responsibility in the face of moral dilemmas.