Close Reading: Hannah Arendt, №1

During this first session we’ll read passages from the first part of the book. In it, Arendt sets the scene for her book, by describing the remarkable, worldwide student protests of the 1960s; along with a divide between universities and society. By questioning the Enlightenment doctrine of progress she questions the foundation for protest and violence as well. The question is: what’s the rightful place of violence in the world?

“If we look on history in terms of a continuous chronological process, whose progress, moreover, is inevitable, violence in the shape of war and revolution may appear to constitute the only possible interruption. […] It is the function, however, of all action, as distinguished from mere behavior, to interrupt what otherwise would have proceeded automatically and therefore predictably.” [Hannah Arendt, On Violence (Boston/New York: Mariner Books, 1970): pp. 30-31.]

Have a cup of tea or coffee with us, and join for a conversation on violence. There’s no preparation whatsoever; just read along as we go. We’re happy to have you.