타자에 대한 책임의 근거 ― 레비나스의 철학을 예로 하여 ―

How can we normally justify our responsibility for the Other? This article addresses this question. To figure out this problem, this article draws on the responsibility theory of Levinas, famous for his philosophy of the Other. So far, the theory of responsibility has demonstrated the responsibility for the Other based mainly on God, subject, and procedure. Among them, the theory of responsibility based on the subject has occupied the central position. In this theory of responsibility, the Other is nothing but the object. Levinas, on the other hand, makes a new philosophical attempt. It is to derive infinite responsibility for the Other from the Other himself who is distinct from me. To this end, Levinas takes metaphysics anew, which has now been criticized by strict positivism. In addition, ethics is set as the “first philosophy.” On this basis, Levinas develops a creative philosophy of the Other and theory of responsibility. The Other highlighted by Levinas is a concrete existents, not an abstract existence. The Other elicits my immediate response by showing me a face while being in proximity relationship with me. This establishes my responsibility for the Other. This duty paradoxically gives me permission for freedom. At the same time, facing the Other and taking responsibility for the Other completes my true subjectivity. This relationship between me and the other extends to third party, contributing to the formation of consciousness, reason, language, law and institution. Levinas’ philosophy of the Other not only has theoretical significance in various aspects, but also makes productive contributions in the area of law. However, it needs to be observed and investigated minutely whether Levinas’ theory of responsibility reliant on metaphysics is actually operational.