Abstract

A century after his birth, Emmanuel Levinas is now widely read and established as one of the major thinkers of recent times. The Cambridge Companion to Levinas, edited by Simon Critchley and Robert Bernasconi, gives an informed introduction to the current state of research into his thought. However, despite the widespread acceptance of Levinas's views, some controversial aspects of his work are simplified or avoided. Moreover, telling criticisms have been levelled against him from political and philosophical perspectives. The article suggests that the best way to remain true to his legacy may be to confront and to contest it a little more.