Outline of a Theory of Violence

Abstract

I have argued that recognition (or inter-subjectivity) has an intrinsic limit and that in given circumstances the relation with the other is entirely ruled by fantasy. This means that the self and the other will not only ‘mis-recognize’ each other, but they will attempt to destroy each other in an attempt to save themselves from the threat the other poses to their existence. From this analytical perspective, although the relation with the other is always marked by a certain degree of invention about who the other is and what it wants, the process of becoming an enemy and the relation of antagonism and hate that would characterize that process is based on the negation of the other and the enjoyment of its exclusion. In this case desire is not experienced as mutual recognition (or mutual satisfaction), but is expressed as a relation of aggressive jealousy – the desire of the other opposes my desire, denies my desire in such a way that it denies and excludes ‘me’, my identity. I have also argued, however, that not every social identity is equally exposed to radical antagonism and that not every threat to the identity results in violence.