<Articles PART I : BEYOND THE SELF>Critical Consideration of the Notion of 'Language' and 'Beyond' : 'Beyond the Self' and the Issue of 'Transcendence' in E. Levinas

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to consider the problem of 'transcendence' in language from the viewpoint of 'dialogue' in E. Levinas' thought. This research is related to a series of papers written by Paul Standish, on the confrontation between continental philosophy and analytical philosophy from the standpoint of philosophy of education. So far, this problem has been studied from different angles with a view toward a cultural exchange between East and West. However, by considering the problem of the meaning of language, I will try to find the other way different from the way to the argument about 'mutual exchange' in the assumption of 'mutual/common understanding' down the name 'cross-cultural understanding'. In consequence, I will indicate that 'dialogue' is the process to deepen 'self-awareness' through the understanding of others, not just a verbal communication.