Disobey!: A Philosophy of Resistance

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The world is out of joint, so much so that disobeying should be an urgent act for everyone. In this provocative essay, Frdric Gros explores the roots of political obedience, social conformity, economic subjection, respect for authorities, constitutional consensus. Examining the various styles of obedience provides tools to study, invent and induce new forms of civic disobedience and lyrical protest. Nothing can be taken for granted: neither supposed certainties nor social conventions, economic injustice or moral conviction. Thinking philosophically requires us to never accept truths and generalities that seem obviousit restores a sense of political responsibility. At a time when the decisions of experts are presented as the result of icy statistics and anonymous calculations, disobeying becomes an assertion of humanity. To philosophise is to disobey. This book is a call for critical democracy and ethical resistance.

Reviews

In this personal reflection of remarkable clarity and intelligence, the author shows above all how the decision between obedience and disobedience ultimately remains a personal matter. * Le Monde *
The philosopher Frdric Gros analyses the wellsprings of our passivity. Citizens submit out of fear, social conformity, or pleasure, but also to escape their own responsibility. Yet disobedience is not incompatible with democracy. * Libration *
This specialist in political philosophy dissects the mechanisms of obedience. * Tlrama *
Inspiring! * Elle *
A masterly political and ethical reflection. This essay examines the inner condition of the political and social subject, asking why it is hard to disobey even when the world imposes desperate conditions of life. * Les Inrockuptibles *
A call to resist conformity and tyranny. -- Alain Finkielkraut * Philosophie magazine *

Author Bio

Frdric Gros is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Paris XII and the Institute of Political Studies, Paris. He was the Editor of the last lectures of Michel Foucault at the Collge de France. His previous books include A Philosophy of Walking and The Security Principle.