Kanakis Leledakis

Bio: Kanakis Leledakis is an academic researcher from University of Crete. The author has contributed to research in topics: Action (philosophy) & Subject (philosophy). The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 3 citations.

Derrida, Deconstruction and Social Theory

Abstract: This article focuses on an analysis and evaluation of the importance Derrida's work may have for a theory of the social. It is argued that both his earlier and his later works are important in this respect, albeit at a high level of abstraction. In his early work the social is seen as an open `field of meaning' while in later work differentations within this field, such as the level of the `phantasmatic', are introduced. This is a direction of theorization that has to be developed, although the way the `openness' of this field is to be conceived needs to be re-elaborated. However, Derrida's account in recent work of the structure of ethical/political action, based on `emancipatory promises', is not satisfactory and runs the danger of regressing to subjectivism. Instead, the existence of structural determinations - of a `history' - within the subject has to be theorized without reducing the subject to a form of self-presence. This history, alongside the contextuality of the moment of action, delineates the...

A ‘Radical Humanist’ Approach to the Concept of Solidarity

Abstract: 'Solidarity' conjures up positive images of the strength of togetherness and community, but in practice it is experienced by groups when confronted by a real or perceived threat from other groups. The ideal of a universal human solidarity appears tenuous and flimsy. However, Richard Rorty and Axel Honneth have attempted, in different ways, to bring this ideal under philosophical consideration. Their treatment of human solidarity is flawed by their a priori rejection of the normative idea of a common human nature. Such an idea, termed 'radical humanism', is reconstructed from the work of Erich Fromm, and one of its chief implications – the rejection of liberal nationalism – is proposed as part of a radical challenge to contemporary social and political theory.

The Power and Politics of Immigrant Philanthropy: Charitable Giving and the Making of the New Canadian Establishment

Abstract: This study explores how high net worth immigrants are contributing to the new golden age of philanthropy. Who are the actors behind the transnational philanthropic class? How are local and regional diaspora networks sustained through charitable giving? What role do non-profits, governments, corporations, and the media play in advancing a model minority aesthetic? These questions are brought to life through an analysis of forty in-depth interviews with immigrant philanthropists and volunteers, fundraising executives of large non-profits, and executive directors of settlement charities conducted from 2013 to 2015 in Toronto, Canada. Through these voices, a number of social, political, and economic themes are explored. First, drawing on Jacques Derrida’s writings about hospitality and gift exchange, I consider how the philanthropic actions of elite immigrants challenge the rules of engagement between the old and new establishments. Second, I explore how the making of a philanthropic diaspora is a translocal process that reinforces a growing divide between have and have not charities. Finally, I look at the role of high net worth immigrants in the development of a philanthropic state within the context of financialization. Ultimately, this study articulates how diaspora philanthropy is entering a new evolutionary phase that is strategically incorporating the rhetorics of diversity and inclusion, philanthrocapitalist models of investing, and a variety of domestic and global initiatives aimed at reconciling politics, giving, and the expansionist logic of advanced capitalism. Moreover, this study suggests that large charities uniquely offer elite diasporas with an opportunity to bundle their humanitarian, business, and community interests through strategic

Deconstructing paradise: beneath the hegemonic illusions of harmony

Abstract: Attempts to show the underlying layers of contradictions and tensions beneath the illusions of harmony that have been socially constructed. Shows how organisation members may not be cognisant of the repressive structure that they themselves help to build and looks at how this structure is held together through hegemonic story‐telling. Reveals that while a strong sense of cohesiveness and group identify is often applauded as humanising, domination and control can be exercised through this process of identity development and that a common out‐group “enemy” can be adopted to divert attention away from the anxieties and tension of the current state.