Law and Violence: Christoph Menke in Dialogue

A interlocution containing a stimulating lead essay on the relationship between law and violence by one of the key third-generation Frankfurt School philosophers, Christoph Menke, and engaged responses by a variety of influential critics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Christoph Menke, a prominent third-generation Frankfurt School theorist, is widely recognized as one of the most captivating philosophers in Germany today. His groundbreaking essay delves into the core question of legal and political philosophy: the intricate interplay between law and violence. In the first part of the essay, Menke compellingly argues why and in what precise sense the law is inherently violent. He explores the underlying mechanisms that render law coercive and oppressive, shedding light on the ways in which it perpetuates power imbalances and injustices. The second part of the essay takes a bold step forward by proposing the possibility of the law becoming self-reflectively aware of its own violence. Menke suggests that through a process of critical self-reflection, the law can transcend its traditional role as an instrument of coercion and instead evolve into a tool for promoting justice, equality, and human rights.

The volume features insightful responses from a diverse group of scholars, including María del Rosario Acosta López, Daniel Loick, Alessandro Ferrara, Ben Morgan, Andreas Fischer-Lescano, and Alexander García Düttmann. Their contributions enrich the discussion by offering diverse perspectives and engaging in a lively exchange of ideas.

In conclusion, Christoph Menke's essay is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between law and violence. Through his insightful analysis and provocative ideas, Menke challenges the conventional understanding of the law's role and offers a vision for a more just and humane legal system. This volume serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on these critical issues, and it will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone who seeks to understand the dynamics of power and justice in our society.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526105080