Towards an anthropology of relevance: An intercultural dialogue between Schutz and Nishida

• Applicant: Dr. Jan Straßheim
• Subject Area: Theoretical Philosophy
• Term: from 2020 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431058086

The concept of “relevance” describes patterns which shape human action and experience in a regular fashion. However, unlike the concept of a strict “rule”, the concept of relevance also captures the fact that such patterns are open to a variety of situations and individuals. “Relevant” aspects are not only (1) those which are familiar, habitual or recognisable because they fit within established meaning-patterns, but also (2) those which are novel, strange or unique, i.e. those which deviate from existing patterns. A rule model neglects this latter side of relevance in favour of the former. But only both sides taken together produce our situated decisions and perceptions, our flexible and sometimes creative use of language, the dynamic of our emotions, or our access to the individual other person. A two-sided concept of relevance thus identifies a tension at the basis of our subjective and social lives which a rule model fails to capture. The goal of the present project is to develop a philosophical theory of relevance which systematically elucidates this tension. This means addressing a gap in research which is related to cultural factors. Despite the fact that in several disciplines, such as philosophy, sociology, linguistics, the cognitive and information sciences, relevance models have proven superior, research keeps falling back to rule models. This unbalance is due in part to a bias towards stable structures in European traditions of thought which has been pointed out by the Japanese philosopher Kitarō Nishida (1870-1945). Therefore, the project employs the tools of “intercultural philosophy”. Referring back to the often forgotten relevance research from the 1930s onwards, the most developed theory of relevance, that of Alfred Schutz (1899-1959), is singled out as a point of departure. In order to correct the cultural bias which causes theoretical difficulties even in Schutz, a “dialogue” is sought with Nishida, who elaborates the irreducible role of the second side of relevance. A problem-oriented reading aims to “triangulate” between the two perspectives and their shared object, and at the same time to strengthen both philosophers’ potential. Philosophical anthropology is chosen as a frame of reference to sharpen the focus. The theory of relevance will emphasise the cultural and historical variation in conceptions of “man”, and it will offer a reflection about the relation between cultures which refers to a common ground at the basis of trends within current debates around “globalisation” towards either opening or closing cultural boundaries. The project, while taking up recent relevance research such as the formalisations worked out within the framework of analytical philosophy (e.g. by the Emmy Noether independent junior research group “Relevance”), presents an independent approach based on social phenomenology and historical anthropology. The results will be published in the form of a book and at least two peer-reviewed articles.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants