The Birth and Symbolism of Passivity: Thinking with Paul Ricœur

Passivity and symbol are two issues that Paul Ricoeur has reflected upon a great deal. Their place in his work is well-known, and these two themes have been the object of commentary that has not only contributed to explaining (and perhaps even bringing to light) what Ricoeur had not yet developed pertaining to these themes, but has also contributed to the historical influence of a work which, while Ricoeur was alive, brought its author notoriety both abroad and in France. That said, one may wonder what could be added to the reception of Ricoeur’s work by doing as we propose to do: namely, to return to the question of passivity and symbol as they are taken up by Ricoeur himself. Perhaps we would not add anything new – but we could at least accomplish a repetition whose aim is to bring to light what is at stake in the discussion on symbol and passivity. This text will analyse the issues of passivity and symbolism in relation to birth, as discussed by the French philosopher in "Le volontaire et l'involontaire"