Anthropological foundations of hospitality

Abstract

In the article the notion of hospitality as a social institution is considered. Attempts to consider it in the light of philosophical and anthropological analysis are engaged. There are two approaches to the study of the hospitality. The first one is called ethnographical and it coincides in general with the conception of Derrida’s “conditional hospitality” which is related to historical contexts and traditions. The second one is philosophical which is based on the duality of “I” and “the other” which corresponds “unconditional hospitality” and appears an empty form to be filled by historical content owing to which hospitality can develop as an institution. Methods by means of which a person supports relations with the outer world and people, his self-identity, and existing boundaries of interaction are anthropological grounds for hospitality. Besides, forward encouragement and gratitude for kind treatment of the guest are a significant ground for hospitality.