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Democracy and Community

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In Democracy and Community, philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy engages in a profound dialogue with Peter Engelmann to challenge the tainted concept of community, often misused by totalitarian regimes. Nancy reframes community as essential to politics and democracy, showing how shared experiences and a common sense of life precede individual existence. The book explores democracy not just as political unity but as a space where collective meaning is created and exchanged.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Ideal for readers interested in contemporary philosophy and political theory, especially those exploring the intersections of democracy, community, and political identity.

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"First published in German as Demokratie und Gemeinschaft; Vienna: Passagen Verlag, Ges. M.b.H, Γƒ2015."--Title page verso.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The concept of community is tainted by the events of the twentieth century, frequently appropriated by totalitarian regimes for the purposes of exclusion and oppression. In this dialogue with Peter Engelmann, philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy attempts to reframe community as central to a reconceptualisation of politics and democracy.

Observing that all our interactions are in some way shared experiences, Nancy demonstrates that a common sense of life precedes our existence as individuals: we can only truly make sense of life in a plurality. Democracy is typically concerned with establishing political unity, yet its greater task lies in community: creating a space in which sense can realise itself and circulate.

This conversation with one of France’s foremost thinkers will be of great interest to all readers of contemporary philosophy and political theory.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Joan Copjec, Brown University: β€˜That the common is not a blanket under which we huddle with others for protection, but a blank that eludes us, is the political lesson Nancy has sought to impart. This moving interview exposes the restless vigilance required to safeguard the negativity of this profound insight against its collapse into utopian fantasy.’

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509535354

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 April 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Wieland Hoban
  • Translated by Wieland Hoban
  • Translated by Wieland Hoban

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 122.0mm

Height: 183.0mm

Weight: 136g

Pages: 120

About the Author

Jean-Luc NancyΒ (1940 – 2021) was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Strasbourg.

Peter EngelmannΒ is a publisher, philosopher and editor at Passagen Verlag.

Β 

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