The Metaphysics of Terror: The Incoherent System Of Contemporary Politics (Political Theory and Contemporary Philosophy) - Softcover

Ugilt, Rasmus

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1628920564 ISBN 13: 9781628920567

Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic, 2014

Synopsis

This groundbreaking study aims to provide a philosophical analysis of the phenomenon of terror, in particular the political reactions to it, such as public anxiety and pre-emptive wars, and to re-articulate the understanding of metaphysics through a consideration of its political implications.

The book reveals that the key feature of terror is "potentiality," that is, terror is always about "what could happen" as opposed to "what is likely to happen." This notion helps broaden the scope of the investigation, as the argument spans the ontology, political psychology, political cosmology, and political theology of terror. Each chapter begins with an empirical discussion, examining such topics as the political practices in reaction to terror, the politics of fear, warfare, sovereignty, and the debates about the state of exception in relations to anti-terrorism laws.

This unique examination of our political reality uncovers the axiom of terrorism, namely its "potentiality." Going beyond the scope of terrorism studies, it explains the philosophical underpinnings of terror without compromising on the empirical facts drawn from policymaking, jurisprudence and related fields.

About this title

About the Author

Rasmus Ugilt is Assistant Professor in the Department of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1628920564
• ISBN 13: 9781628920567
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240