Byung-Chul Han's 'Absence' Explores Eastern Philosophy as Counter to Western Metaphysics

Byung-Chul Han's book 'Absence: On the Culture and Philosophy of the Far East' presents Eastern thought as fundamentally grounded in absence, contrasting with Western metaphysics of presence. Originally published in German in 2007, this English translation by Daniel Steuer appears through Polity Press priced at £12.99. Han argues that absence fosters friendliness while presence creates alienation, drawing distinctions between desire and indifference, dwelling and wandering. The text examines cultural artifacts like Zen Buddhist ink paintings, which emphasize paper's whiteness, versus Caravaggio's chiaroscuro or Vermeer's light-focused works. Architectural comparisons include cathedrals and Buddhist temples, while rice-paper screens are described as 'indifferent' compared to stained glass windows. Han references numerous philosophers including G.W.F. Hegel, Martin Heidegger, Plato, Immanuel Kant, Confucius, and Eastern thinkers like Zhuangzi and Laozi. The book addresses contemporary identity politics and social divisions, suggesting that 'foolishness' in leadership could be beneficial. Han's writing style shifts from his typical aphoristic approach to explanatory prose defending his position between Eastern and Western traditions. He explores how absence manifests in urbanism, greetings, worldviews, language, and even rice as a flavorless complement. The work ultimately serves as a tool for global reengagement rather than merely explaining Far Eastern philosophy.