Philosophy as a Practice of Distinction-Making
Lecture by Katrin Wille (Universität Hildesheim)
7. November 2024, 18 Uhr (CET)
Hörsaal 2, Universität Hildesheim, and Live Stream
Abstract
In philosophy, working with and thinking about distinctions is in a certain sense self-evident. As always with supposed self-certainties, it is not easy to say why they should be questioned and, how they can be made into a subject of investigation given that they are everywhere at work. What exactly is meant by philosophy as a practice of distinction-making? This will be shown in the presentation, along with the possibilities which emerge when the questions “What is philosophy?” and “What is philosophy in a globalized world?” are answered with the development of philosophy as a practice of distinction-making.
Apl. Prof. Dr. Katrin Wille works at the Institute of Philosophy in Hildesheim. Currently, she is particularly fascinated by the significance of indeterminacy in theory and the lifeworld (“indeterminacy research”). This extends to her work on “Feminism as a critique of distinction”, which seeks to strengthen the reflexivity of distinction in feminist research, as well as on the project “Democracy as a Form of Life” (Hetzel, Wille: Demokratie als Lebensform. Focus issue of the Allgemeine Zeitschrift für Philosophie 48.2 2023). Her methodological points of reference are always the philosophy of pragmatism and the dialectical philosophy of Hegel.
Summary
Katrin Wille’s lecture, Philosophie als Praxis des Unterscheidens, explores the idea of philosophy as a “practice of distinguishing” (Praxis des Unterscheidens), emphasizing the critical role that distinctions play in both theory and practice. She argues that philosophy involves actively making, reflecting on, and applying distinctions to clarify complex situations and understand the world. This approach includes recognizing how distinctions become embodied and habitual, shaping perception and thought, and examining their impact on broader philosophical and intercultural dialogues.
Wille begins by sharing three personal experiences to illustrate the nature and significance of distinctions. She highlights how distinctions can bring clarity to confusion, resolve ambiguities, and address disorganization in challenging situations. She also discusses the embodiment of distinctions, such as gender distinctions, and their sedimentation into social and physical practices, which reveals how distinctions are both shaped by and shape our lived realities. Additionally, she warns of the dangers of over-distinction, where excessive analysis and differentiation can lead to a loss of coherence, emphasizing the importance of balance in the practice of distinguishing.
A key concept in Wille’s framework is “distinction habits” (Unterscheidungsgewohnheiten), which refer to the repeated, often unconscious practices through which distinctions are made. These habits, deeply influenced by cultural and social norms, guide our interpretation of the world. Examples include distinguishing between seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) or social spaces (public vs. private). Drawing on intercultural philosophy, Wille contrasts Western binary logic, which emphasizes rigid true/false distinctions, with the Buddhist tetralemma, a model that considers four possibilities simultaneously, moving beyond simple binaries to embrace more nuanced perspectives.
To address the complexity of distinctions, Wille introduces the concept of “double attention” (doppelte Aufmerksamkeit). This method involves focusing on both what is being distinguished (content) and how distinctions are made (method). By maintaining this dual focus, philosophers can better understand the implications of distinctions and their contextual applications. She stresses the need to reflect on the interaction between concrete distinctions and abstract frameworks, creating a productive interplay that enhances philosophical inquiry.
In the context of global philosophy, Wille advocates for a more inclusive and flexible approach to distinctions as a means of fostering intercultural dialogue (Polylog). She argues that distinctions often reflect culturally ingrained habits, and by examining these habits across traditions, philosophy can challenge Eurocentric frameworks and become more open to alternative ways of thinking. For example, intercultural comparisons reveal how Western distinctions often prioritize binary frameworks, while other traditions emphasize layered or interdependent relationships, such as those found in Chinese and Buddhist thought.
Ultimately, Wille positions philosophy as a pragmatic tool that responds to disruptions, ambiguities, and challenges through the thoughtful refinement of distinctions. Her approach encourages philosophers to embrace context-sensitive, dynamic methods rather than rigid categorizations. By integrating the insights of intercultural philosophy and the concept of double attention, Wille envisions a philosophy that is both responsive to specific contexts and attuned to global, pluralistic dialogues. This makes philosophy not just a theoretical pursuit but a practical, adaptable discipline capable of addressing the complexities of our interconnected world.