Toward a Feminist Ethics of Nonviolence

Toward a Feminist Ethics of Nonviolence is a book that brings together major feminist thinkers to debate Cavarero's call for a postural ethics of nonviolence and a sociality rooted in bodily interdependence. It consists of three longer essays and shorter responses by a range of scholars, contesting the boundaries of their common project for a pluralistic, heterogeneous, but urgent feminist ethics of nonviolence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2021
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Toward a Feminist Ethics of Nonviolence is a groundbreaking work that brings together three major feminist thinkers—Adriana Cavarero, Judith Butler, and Bonnie Honig—to debate Cavarero's call for a postural ethics of nonviolence and a sociality rooted in bodily interdependence. The book consists of three longer essays by Cavarero, Butler, and Honig, followed by shorter responses by a range of scholars that widen the dialogue, drawing on post-Marxism, Italian feminism, queer theory, and lesbian and gay politics. Together, the authors contest the boundaries of their common project for a pluralistic, heterogeneous, but urgent feminist ethics of nonviolence.

Cavarero's call for a postural ethics of nonviolence challenges traditional notions of ethics and morality, which often rely on a hierarchical and oppressive framework. She argues that nonviolence is not just a means of avoiding violence but also a way of living that promotes equality, justice, and respect for all individuals. Cavarero's approach is rooted in the idea of bodily interdependence, which suggests that our bodies are interconnected and that our actions have consequences for others.

Judith Butler's essay, "The Ethics of Nonviolence," explores the relationship between nonviolence and power. She argues that nonviolence is not simply a passive response to violence but rather a form of resistance that challenges the dominant power structures. Butler's work draws on post-Marxist theory, which emphasizes the importance of social and economic inequality in shaping our understanding of power.

Bonnie Honig's essay, "The Politics of Nonviolence," examines the political implications of nonviolence. She argues that nonviolence is not just a means of achieving social change but also a way of living that promotes democracy and human rights. Honig's work draws on queer theory, which emphasizes the importance of challenging heteronormative and patriarchal norms.

The book also includes shorter responses by a range of scholars that widen the dialogue, drawing on post-Marxism, Italian feminism, queer theory, and lesbian and gay politics. These responses provide valuable insights into the complexities of nonviolence and its application in different contexts.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of intersectionality. Intersectionality recognizes that different forms of oppression, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect and shape our experiences and identities. The authors argue that nonviolence must be applied in a way that recognizes and addresses these intersecting forms of oppression.

Another important theme of the book is the importance of empathy and compassion. Nonviolence requires us to be able to understand and connect with others, and to be willing to put ourselves in their shoes. The authors argue that nonviolence is not just a means of achieving our own goals but also a way of promoting the well-being of others.

The book also challenges the notion that nonviolence is always peaceful and non-violent. The authors argue that nonviolence can be a powerful form of resistance, but it can also be violent and destructive. They argue that nonviolence must be used in a way that is consistent with our values and principles, and that it must be used in a way that promotes justice and equality.

In conclusion, Toward a Feminist Ethics of Nonviolence is a groundbreaking work that brings together three major feminist thinkers to debate Cavarero's call for a postural ethics of nonviolence and a sociality rooted in bodily interdependence. The book provides valuable insights into the complexities of nonviolence and its application in different contexts, and it challenges the boundaries of our common project for a pluralistic, heterogeneous, but urgent feminist ethics of nonviolence.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823290093