Violence and Freedom: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Practices of Freedom
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21847/2411-3093.636Keywords:
Freedom, Phenomenology, Postcolonial Theory, Postmodernism, ViolenceAbstract
It’s difficult to give an account of human history without alluding to the reigns of terror and the fascination with violence perpetrated in the name of freedom and justice. Freedom and violence are two contrasting concepts that have shaped the history of humanity. While freedom is often associated with liberation, violence is characterized by the use of force and coercion. This study delves into the complex relationship between violence and freedom from a phenomenological perspective.
Our understanding of freedom is shaped by the Kantian conception of freedom as the property of the will. It’s a model of freedom which associates freedom with mastery. It’s not only the negative and positive conceptions of freedom that have fallen prey to this attitude but postmodern freedom also operates within the same framework. The paper challenges this conventional understanding of freedom and its alignment with violence by drawing on phenomenological philosophy to explore the experiences of individuals who are both subject and objects of violence. It argues that freedom is not simply the absence of physical constraints, but rather a complex interplay of social and existential factors that shape individuals' experiences of agency and autonomy.
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