Joseph Turner

Joseph Turner, a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, dives into Keiji Nishitani's exploration of emptiness and nihilism, comparing Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. He discusses how Nishitani redefines emptiness as a space for relational interconnectedness and the importance of 'great doubt' in questioning existence. The conversation also touches on the implications of collective understanding over individualism, the intersections of compassion and action, and critiques of traditional political structures, advocating for a compassionate political ontology.

Joseph Turner, a PhD student specializing in continental and Japanese philosophy, delves into the intricate ideas of Jean-Luc Nancy. He discusses Nancy's ontology of 'being-with', highlighting how existence is fundamentally communal. Turner critiques monotheism’s role in shaping identity and negates traditional teleology, arguing existence is an ongoing event. He connects Nancy's empty creation with overcoming nihilism and emphasizes shared finitude and Buddhist impermanence. Finally, he proposes a new political framework grounded in ethical interdependence.