Violence in our societies

The modern paradox of the right to violence

A series of riot police, one of whom throws a liquid

France was the scene in the late winter and early spring of 2023 of large demonstrations against the Macron government's pension reform. This led to some violence committed by the protesters and disturbing outbursts by the police. The question of violence in our societies is something fundamental. Brut went in this context to interview a professor of philosophy, Frederic Worms.

He defines it as "the act of intentionally wanting to destroy by the use of force on another human being who wants to attack us or who we consider a threat to us." Thus, republican countries have decreed that the holders of violence would only be in a particular profession (the police) in order to protect from all possible aggressions. But this does not mean that the police institution itself is not violent. Images from France, the United States and elsewhere unfortunately show this. Moreover, this sensitive subject creates a debate because initially these same people were supposed to have a framed use of force and when members lose control, it diminishes the legitimacy of the "state monopoly of violence."

This does not mean, in his view, that we should point the finger at the entire police or government structure as violent. On the other hand, yes, it is important to keep an eye out. New generations are also confronted with the reality that archaic violence is returning (terrorism, war, unabashed racism) as they bring to light others that have been too long accepted such as sexism, homophobia and others.

Could there be a society without violence? Possible, according to the professor, but on the other hand it would still come with conflict resolution needs. So the ideal would be a nonviolent civilization that is able to settle disputes more fairly and rationally.

Time: 9min33