A Responsibility to the World: Saramago, Politics, Philosophy

In a 1987 interview, José Saramago eloquently expressed what could be considered his political-philosophical manifesto: 'Human beings should not content themselves with the role of mere observers. They bear a responsibility to the world; they must actively engage and intervene.' In 1998 the celebrated writer was honoured with the Nobel Prize for Literature. So Saramago did not only as a human being and a citizen, but also as an artist refuse to be a passive observer. Despite his profound and always critical pessimism, he tirelessly propelled both his public and artistic persona toward impactful actions and interventions, showcasing an unwavering dedication to reshaping the world. This volume seeks to delve into this facet of his legacy, exploring it from diverse political and philosophical perspectives.

Burghard Baltrusch coordinates the International José Saramago Chair at the University of Vigo and is a member of the Instituto de Literatura Comparada Margarida Losa (UP), and of the Galician Interuniversity Centre for Research on Atlantic Landscapes and Cultures. Carlo Salzani is Research Fellow in the Department of Philosophy of the University of Innsbruck, Guest Scholar at the Messerli Research Institute of Vienna, and faculty member of the Paris Institute for Critical Thinking (PICT). Kristof K. P. Vanhoutte is a philosopher and Research Fellow at the Department of Philosophy of the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein (South Africa).