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Document Details : Title: Jacques Derrida on Hospitality beyond Invitation Subtitle: The Visiting Other as an Unplanned Pregnancy Author(s): KAKOLIRIS, Gerasimos Journal: Ethical Perspectives Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Date: 2021 Pages: 239-262 DOI: 10.2143/EP.28.3.3289821 Abstract : This article examines Jacques Derrida’s views on hospitality in relation to unplanned or unintended pregnancy. Derrida distinguishes between ‘invitation’ and ‘visitation’ and associates ‘pure’, ‘true’, or ‘unconditional’ hospitality with visitation. In terms of intended or expected pregnancies, the unborn other is an invited or welcomed guest. In case of unexpected or unwanted pregnancies, the foetus is as an uninvited guest or even an intruder. Nevertheless, for Derrida, hospitality and responsibility impose an infinite demand on the host regardless of whether the other is invited or uninvited. Thus, considering ‘unconditional hospitality’, a person has no ‘right’ to decide on their pregnancy. However, Derrida refers to the need for ‘negotiation’ between unconditional and conditional hospitality. This translates, as this article emphasises, into the scope for each pregnant person’s individual circumstances to be taken into consideration. |
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