Vattimo is in favour of reducing limits to promote people's capacity for decision-making

Gianni Vattimo, one of the best philosophers in the world, is in favour of reducing limits to promote the capacity for decision-making and thus, reduce violence. The father of postmodernity eager to be free, as he thinks that whenever there is prohibition, ?smuggling? takes place in the end. Vattimo spent two days at the University of Deusto, where he explained his philosophical ideas: on 23 November, at Deusto Forum, and the following day, at a press conference and a debate-discussion on the ?Sense of existence?, along with two other reference points in current philosophy such as Santiago Zabala, Vattimo?s best disciple, and Andrés Ortiz-Osés, lecturer at the University of Deusto.

23 November 2006

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The presence of these three figures in today?s philosophical thinking coincided with the presentation of the fifth edition of the ?Dictionary of Hermeneutics? and the ?Dictionary of Existence? by Anthropos, in which the three philosophers at this event have collaborated, among others.

At Deusto Forum, Vattimo gave a lecture on ?Culture and Religion, today?. In his talk, the father of posmodernity defended his views in support of the weakening or relativisation of any kind of dogmatism or fundamentalism, as well as the promotion of dialogue, communication and the relationship between opposites.

The sense of existence is a kernel issue in contemporary Hermeneutics. As lecturer Andrés Ortiz Osés explains, taking this philosophy as a starting point, scholars? debate raises the current situation ?in which we have gone from absolutism ? everything was clear before- to relativism ? nothing is clear now-?. ?From classical heroism to indifference, from the notion of sense, to the absence of it, from God to the void?.

The Deusto philosopher applauds the questioning occurred in recent times, but not the passage to absolute nihilism. Therefore, as he points out, Hermeneutics encourages us to experience the sense of existence, but ?what is sense? What one?s heart feels and reason allows?. Andrés Ortiz-Oses states that we have to transmit ?an open and positive vision of the future, which involves getting along with the enemy in search of a sign of shared humanity?.

Nearly two decades ago, Gianni Vattimo (Turín, 1936). coined his discourse on what he describes as ?Philosophy of Postmodernity?, which goes beyond the prevailing closed models and the great narratives at that time. The Italian philosopher, influenced by Nietzsche?s and Heidegger?s theories, is in favour of a new society, which is less dogmatic, aware of diversity and that contributes to a new culture of tolerance. As Andrés Ortiz Osés explains, ?the weakening of any kind of dogma or fundamentalism on behalf of dialogue, communication, ecumenicalism, of the relationship between opposites? democracy after all.?