ABSTRACT
This chapter brings together the emerging field of Performance Philosophy and the relatively new field of World Philosophies. The contention is that Performance Philosophy lends itself to provide a suitable example of inter-philosophical dialogue, which stands both as an indispensable methodological tool and a rationale at the basis of World Philosophies. In order for World Philosophies to have a future, the author argues, the first crucial operation is the recognition that Western philosophy is but one ‘regional’ philosophy and that in the world, there is a great variety of epistemologies, ontologies, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, etc. (i.e. philosophies), which all share the values attached to the ‘love of wisdom’ for the simple fact of ‘being human’ and of belonging to humanity. Following a brief introduction to the idea of dialogue within Western philosophy, this chapter expands on this concept – with the help of Enrique Dussel and other Latin American philosophers – as relevant for a wider inter-philosophical dialogue among and between World Philosophies. In dialogue with Richard Kearney, the essay then outlines a ‘philosophy of performance’ as ‘thinking in action’ and as part of ‘philosophy as a way of life’ which highlights the carnal, bodily and human dimension of both philosophy and performance. In contrast to Gramsci, who provides a profound reflection on the role of intellectuals in achieving the ‘philosophy of praxis’, Kearney proposes a return not to the powerful God of Christian theology, but “to the God of play, the lord of the dance, the shepherd king of the song of songs”.
