49 pages • 1 hour read
Precarious Life: The Powers of Mourning and Violence
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Book Brief
168
Book • Nonfiction
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Precarious Life by Judith Butler, comprising five essays written after 9/11, explores themes of violence and ethical responses to it, emphasizing that increased vulnerability from violence brings increased responsibility for one’s reaction. Butler critiques U.S. policies, media portrayals of vulnerability, indefinite detention, suppression of criticism against Israel, and proposes a nonviolence theory grounded in the ethical demand of others' precariousness. The book includes discussions of violence and traumatic events such as the aftermath of 9/11, war, and indefinite detention.
Contemplative
Challenging
Informative
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
2,090 ratings
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Review Roundup
Judith Butler's Precarious Life is praised for its profound analysis of vulnerability and ethics in a post-9/11 world, offering nuanced perspectives on grief and human interconnectedness. Some critics find her dense prose challenging, yet others appreciate the depth and rigor. Overall, it is recognized as a thought-provoking work with significant philosophical insight.
Who Should Read Precarious Life?
Readers who would enjoy Precarious Life by Judith Butler are typically engaged with critical theory, political philosophy, and social justice. They might also appreciate works like Gender Trouble by Butler or Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault, seeking deep analyses of power, vulnerability, and identity.
2,090 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Emmanuel Levinas
Emmanuel Levinas
A Jewish Lithuanian philosopher whose work grounds ethical exploration in relationships and encounters with "the other," influencing Judith Butler's theories on nonviolence.
Michel Foucault
Michel Foucault
A French philosopher known for his analysis of power dynamics, whose ideas about governmentality and sovereign power inform Butler's critique of detention practices at Guantanamo Bay.
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
The 43rd president of the United States whose administration's response to 9/11, including the "war on terror" and policies at Guantanamo Bay, is critically examined by Butler.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud
An Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis whose theories of mourning influence Butler's exploration of ethical and political transformation through mourning.
Donald Rumsfeld
Donald Rumsfeld
The U.S. Secretary of Defense under George W. Bush, mentioned by Butler for his role in crafting policies related to the detention and treatment of suspected terrorists.
168
Book • Nonfiction
2004
Adult
18+ years
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