Against the Grain

Walter Benjamin on Violence

Walter Benjamin, a German-Jewish philosopher associated with the Frankfurt School, had a unique take on the origins and manifestations of violence in the world. James Martel discusses how Benjamin thought about the various forms of violence under capitalism, and whether he thought violence and coercion could be eradicated. (Encore presentation.)

Brad Evans and Terrell Carver, eds., Histories of Violence: Post-war Critical Thought Zed Books, 2017

James Martel, Unburied Bodies: Subversive Corpses and the Authority of the Dead Amherst College Press, 2018

Playlist

Artist Song Album Label
BiggabushIlu Baje (Sick State)Biggabush Presents 13 Faces of Lightning HeadLion Head
Dhamaal SoundsystemR/evolutionDhamaal SoundsystemDhamaal SF - Surya Vault Records
Kevin EubanksThe MessengerThe MessengerMack Avenue Records
Dhamaal SoundsystemR/evolutionDhamaal SoundsystemDhamaal SF - Surya Vault Records
David AxelrodHoly ThursdayAn Axelrod Anthology '68 - '70Parlophone Catalogue