Indexicalism

This book explores a new metaphysical framework that emphasizes situatedness and indexicality, offering insights into human and non-human relationships while addressing social responsibilities.

In Indexicalism, Hilan Bensusan presents a groundbreaking perspective on metaphysics, arguing that reality is not a fixed entity but rather indexical and contingent. This approach challenges traditional views by clarifying the logic and structure of a situated metaphysics that emphasizes the complexities of our relationships with both human and non-human entities. Bensusan's work introduces a novel understanding of perception, highlighting our irreducibly situated connection to the world around us, which he refers to as the non-totalisable Outdoors.

The book delves into the implications of this radical metaphysical view, particularly in relation to social and political contexts. Bensusan's exploration includes a post-colonial reflection on significant sites like Potosi and Yasuni National Park, emphasizing the critical position of indexical metaphysics in understanding our responsibilities towards these environments. By engaging with both analytic and continental philosophy, he weaves together the ideas of influential thinkers such as Levinas, Whitehead, and Heidegger, showing how their contributions can be transformed through the lens of indexicalism.

Ultimately, Indexicalism invites readers to reconsider what it means to exist in our world, urging a deeper awareness of the responsibilities that come from our situatedness. It serves as a thought-provoking critique of conventional metaphysical frameworks, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with contemporary philosophical discourse and environmental concerns.