Powers, Parts and Wholes: Essays on the Mereology of Powers

This book explores the parts-whole relations within and among powers, offering a fresh perspective on the metaphysics of powers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into a novel exploration of the intricate interplay between parts and wholes within power structures and among various powers. While the metaphysics of powers has received extensive attention in the scholarly discourse, powers have remained relatively unexplored from the perspective of their mereology. By examining the fundamental aspects of powers, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective that sheds light on their nature, dynamics, and implications.

The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. It explores the historical background of power studies, highlighting the contributions of influential thinkers such as Hegel, Nietzsche, and Foucault. It also discusses the various definitions and interpretations of power, emphasizing the diverse perspectives and approaches adopted by scholars.

Chapter 2 delves into the concept of power as a relation between parts. It examines the various ways in which power can be understood, including as a social construct, a political instrument, a psychological force, and a cultural phenomenon. The chapter explores the different types of power relationships, such as hierarchical, coercive, and reciprocal, and examines how they shape the dynamics of social and political systems.

Chapter 3 explores the concept of power as a whole. It examines the various ways in which powers can be aggregated, such as through state institutions, international organizations, and social movements. The chapter also explores the challenges and complexities associated with power as a whole, such as the potential for abuse, the need for accountability, and the potential for resistance.

Chapter 4 examines the relationship between power and knowledge. It explores the ways in which power shapes the production and dissemination of knowledge, and how knowledge can be used to challenge and undermine power structures. The chapter also examines the role of education and intellectual discourse in promoting social change and challenging power hierarchies.

Chapter 5 explores the relationship between power and identity. It examines the ways in which power shapes individual and collective identities, and how identities can be used to assert and challenge power. The chapter also explores the role of cultural practices and symbols in constructing and reinforcing power relationships.

Chapter 6 examines the relationship between power and violence. It explores the ways in which power can be used to justify and perpetuate violence, as well as the ways in which resistance and nonviolent movements can challenge and undermine power structures. The chapter also examines the ethical and moral implications of power and violence.

Chapter 7 examines the relationship between power and justice. It explores the ways in which power can be used to promote and sustain justice, as well as the ways in which power can be used to undermine and subvert justice systems. The chapter also examines the role of legal and judicial institutions in promoting and protecting human rights.

Chapter 8 examines the relationship between power and democracy. It explores the ways in which power can be used to promote and sustain democratic institutions, as well as the ways in which power can be used to undermine and subvert democratic processes. The chapter also examines the role of civil society
society in promoting and protecting democratic values and institutions.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the parts-whole relations within power and among powers. By examining the various aspects of power, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of power studies, offering insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of power and its implications for social, political, and cultural life.
This comprehensive volume delves into a novel exploration of the intricate interplay between parts and wholes within power structures and among various powers. While the metaphysics of powers has received extensive attention in the scholarly discourse, powers have remained relatively unexplored from the perspective of their mereology. By examining the fundamental aspects of powers, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective that sheds light on their nature, dynamics, and implications.

The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. It explores the historical background of power studies, highlighting the contributions of influential thinkers such as Hegel, Nietzsche, and Foucault. It also discusses the various definitions and interpretations of power, emphasizing the diverse perspectives and approaches adopted by scholars.

Chapter 2 delves into the concept of power as a relation between parts. It examines the various ways in which power can be understood, including as a social construct, a political instrument, a psychological force, and a cultural phenomenon. The chapter explores the different types of power relationships, such as hierarchical, coercive, and reciprocal, and examines how they shape the dynamics of social and political systems.

Chapter 3 explores the concept of power as a whole. It examines the various ways in which powers can be aggregated, such as through state institutions, international organizations, and social movements. The chapter also explores the challenges and complexities associated with power as a whole, such as the potential for abuse, the need for accountability, and the potential for resistance.

Chapter 4 examines the relationship between power and knowledge. It explores the ways in which power shapes the production and dissemination of knowledge, and how knowledge can be used to challenge and undermine power structures. The chapter also examines the role of education and intellectual discourse in promoting social change and challenging power hierarch.

Chapter 5 explores the relationship between power and identity. It examines the ways in which power shapes individual and collective identities, and how identities can be used to assert and challenge power. The chapter also explores the role of cultural practices and symbols in constructing and reinforcing power relationships.

Chapter 6 examines the relationship between power and violence. It explores the ways in which power can be used to justify and perpetuate violence, as well as the ways in which resistance and nonviolent movements can challenge and undermine power structures. The chapter also examines the ethical and moral implications of power and violence.

Chapter 7 examines the relationship between power and justice. It explores the ways in which power can be used to promote and sustain justice, as well as the ways in which power can be used to undermine and subvert justice systems. The chapter also examines the role of legal and judicial institutions in promoting and protecting human rights.

Chapter 8 examines the relationship between power and democracy. It explores the ways in which power can be used to promote and sustain democratic institutions, as well as the ways in which power can be used to undermine and subvert democratic processes. The chapter also examines the role of civil society.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the parts-whole relations within power and among powers. By examining the various aspects of power, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of power studies, offering insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of power and its implications for social, political, and cultural life.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032288567