In Excessive Subjectivity, Dominik Finkelde embarks on a profound exploration of ethical acts that unveil and challenge the injustices entrenched within prevailing social orders. This incisive work delves into the transformative potential of nonconformist acts, which, while unsupported by existing ethical norms, possess the radical capacity to reshape societal structures.
Finkelde masterfully reinterprets the philosophical traditions of German idealism, focusing on the insights of Kant, Hegel, and Lacan to elucidate the concept of excessive subjectivity. This notion is pivotal for understanding ethical acts that transcend and disrupt established norms, paving the way for new ethical horizons. Through Kant, Finkelde examines how ethical subjectivity is constituted by the very acts it performs, emphasizing the role of individual conscience in exceeding given realities. Hegel’s interpretation of the categorical imperative is scrutinized to highlight the dynamic interplay between individual moral action and the broader socio-political order. Lacan’s theories introduce the transgressive force of unconscious desire, positing it as a crucial element in the ethical life of the subject.
By integrating these perspectives, Finkelde constructs a radical ethical framework for contemporary times, one that transcends the dichotomies of analytical and continental philosophy. His analysis not only revives the antagonistic core of subjectivity but also redefines the ethical subject as inherently excessive, driven by a force that challenges and reconfigures the boundaries of moral and social life. This work is a crucial contribution to contemporary philosophical discourse, offering a nuanced understanding of how transformative acts emerge and impact the ethical landscape. Finkelde’s profound engagement with classical and modern theories makes Excessive Subjectivity an essential text for those grappling with the deepest questions of ethics, subjectivity, and social change.
Simon Gros 
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