Day and Night Overlap: Jan Patocka's Phenomenological Interpretation of the Front-Line Experience

With insight from the methodology of phenomenology,Jan Patocka draws multiple meanings from the special front-line experience,including new understanding of the fringe of death,absolute freedom,universal responsibility,and solidarity with enemies.The front-line experience is in sharp contrast with daily life experience,and is regarded by Patocka as a continuous consciousness of problematization toward history.This consciousness,which the front-line experience gives rise to,can be maintained through true care for reality and history.Patocka names this"care for the soul"and regards it as the core of the European spirit.The potential philosophical and historical value of the front-line experience urges Patocka to maintain an eternal fight,and he eventually concludes thatitis this eternal fight that brings forth eternal peace.