Customer Reviews

Critique of Violence: Between Poststructuralism and Critical Theory (Warwick Studies in European Philosophy)

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An excellent overview of major theories of violence and with a generally clear and structured argument. While Hanssen provides much information and direction for anyone interested in doing a "genealogy" of literature on violence, it does not fully theorize or substantiate the claims it makes and sets out to undertake on account of its breadth. For example, her reading of Benjamin's essay seems somewhat glossed over without getting into the enormously complex details of the essay itself. At one point she makes a claim that the essay itself failed in some capacity but no thorough explanation of this if offered. Great to read as an introduction to critical studies in theories of violence with very informed insights, but does not fully substantiate many of the claims that that she makes. While carefully and thoroughly drawing from a variety of theorists, in certain parts there is over-citation to the point that she fails to link the various authors referred to. I would recommend it on account of its "encyclopedic" value.