The Phenomenon of Hospitality in Philosophy: From Antiquity to the Modern Era

Hospitality is one of the fundamental characteristics of human relations, which has acquired diverse interpretations across different nations and historical periods. Since antiquity, hospitality has been regarded not only as a social norm but also as a moral necessity, reflecting the values of respect, compassion, and mutual understanding. The article examines the philosophical and ethical foundations of hospitality, tracing its development from the cultural and religious traditions of ancient Greece and Rome through the Christian Middle Ages and the Enlightenment to contemporary philosophical discourse. Particular attention is paid to the contributions of Plato and Aristotle, who regarded hospitality as an essential component of civic and ethical order; Thomas Aquinas, who incorporated hospitality into Christian virtue ethics; and Enlightenment thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who linked hospitality with human rights and social justice. In the twentieth century, Jacques Derrida reinterpreted hospitality as an unconditional openness to the Other, while Emmanuel Levinas emphasized responsibility and ethical duty toward the stranger. The analysis demonstrates that hospitality has consistently been central to philosophical reflection on human coexistence, evolving into a universal ethical, cultural, and political principle. This study highlights hospitality's relevance to contemporary discussions of global justice, migration, and intercultural dialogue. "For citation use DOI (this version): 10.17613/c1xkf-tyx66."