The hospitality phenomenon: philosophical enlightenment?

Abstract

Purpose

The emergent paradigm of hospitality studies does not have a coherent philosophical foundation. In seeking to identify a philosophy of hospitality this paper explores Derrida's contribution, along with other writers in philosophy and postcolonial theory, who are either writing in the field or have developed his works.

Design/methodology/approach

Derrida and others are often cited within the context of the emerging paradigm of hospitality studies. In order to examine and critically evaluate the possibility of the construct of a philosophy of the phenomenon of hospitality, the review of the philosophical concepts is set within three perspectives: individual moral philosophy; hospitality and the nation states, and hospitality and language.

Findings

Although examining the writings of Derrida and others provides an insight into the phenomenon of hospitality, a coherent philosophy of hospitality seems to be an enigma; possibly because hospitality is not a matter of objective knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

In order to inform the emergent paradigm of hospitality studies there needs to be a continuing multi‐disciplinary study of hospitality; further inter and intra disciplinary research and investigation is required.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that critical analysis is more important than the unquestioning acceptance of the views of philosophical theorists.

Citation

O'Gorman, K.D. (2007), "The hospitality phenomenon: philosophical enlightenment?", International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 189-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506180710817729