The Livable and the Unlivable

The unlivable is the most extreme point of human suffering and injustice, and Judith Butler and Frédéric Worms discuss how to prevent and repair it. They criticize the norms that make life precarious and unlivable, while Worms appeals to a "critical vitalism" to allow the hardship of the unlivable to reveal what is vital for us. The difference between the livable and the unlivable forms the critical foundation for a contemporary practice of care, which must draw on the concrete practices of humans who are confronted with the unlivable. The book showcases a 2018 dialogue between Butler and Worms at the École Normale Supérieure, addressing the crises unfolding in our world and retrieving a philosophy of life for the Left.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Fordham University Press

The unlivable represents the most profound and devastating manifestation of human suffering and injustice. However, what precisely constitutes the unlivable remains a complex and multifaceted question. In their captivating dialogue, Judith Butler and Frédéric Worms delve into these profound inquiries, situated at the intersection of contemporary life and politics. Here, Butler critiques the norms that perpetuate precariousness and render life unlivable, while Worms advocates for a "critical vitalism" as a means to embrace the hardships of the unlivable and uncover what is truly vital for us. For both Butler and Worms, the distinction between the livable and the unlivable forms the cornerstone of a contemporary practice of care. Care and support, encompassing all their dimensions, are essential in making human life livable, surpassing mere survival. To comprehend this concept, we must look to the experiences of those who face the unlivable: the refugees of our time and the witnesses and survivors of past violations and genocides. They impart valuable insights into what is intolerable yet undeniable about the unlivable, as well as the actions we can take to resist it.

Crafted with meticulous critical rigor, mutual respect, and infectious humor, the dialogue between Butler and Worms took place on April 11, 2018, at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in northern Paris. At that time, approximately two thousand migrants were residing in makeshift camps nearby. The Livable and the Unlivable presents this 2018 dialogue within the broader context of Butler and Worms' ongoing work and the evolution of their philosophical ideas, as introduced by Laure Barillas and Arto Charpentier in their equally captivating introduction. The book concludes with a new afterword that addresses the crises unfolding in our world and the urgent need for a philosophically rigorous account of life to confront them.

In conclusion, The Livable and the Unlivable is a thought-provoking and indispensable exploration of the concept of the unlivable. Through the engaging dialogue between Judith Butler and Frédéric Worms, readers are invited to contemplate the profound implications of human suffering and injustice. By embracing critical vitalism and drawing on the experiences of those confronted with the unlivable, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life that is more than merely surviving. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of our contemporary world and work towards a more just and livable future.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531502744