Center Journals

The concept of acceleration, within Hartmut Rosa's critical project, offers an opportunity to revive the discussion surrounding the fundamental concepts and promises of modernity.

In his article, Matthias Lemke presents a new perspective on the state of exception, highlighting the political dimensions and manoeuvres that accompany its imposition. The article discusses justifications for the state of exception and the underlying goals behind its application, such as using it to consolidate personal power or amend the constitution. Lemke calls for moving beyond the traditional legal view, which focuses on constitutional and legislative aspects, and paying attention to the impact of the state of exception on democracy and political practices. He also traces the history of the term to demonstrate how the state of exception has become a common feature in modern democratic systems, such as in France and Turkey. Lemke warns that the state of exception poses a threat to democracy, as governments may exploit it to extend their powers or enact permanent constitutional changes. The article further examines how political discourse is used to justify and normalize the state of exception, allowing for its prolongation. Through this discursive analysis, Lemke illustrates that the state of exception transcends legal boundaries, evolving into a complex political phenomenon that directly impacts democracy.

This study explores affectivity as an essential component of human existence, through which a person opens up to being in the world and to the Other, based on Heidegger’s phenomenological interpretation. This ontological possibility has allowed Axel Honneth to adopt it as a foundation for an ethics of recognition, aimed at overcoming the manifestations of contempt and objectification prevalent in contemporary societies. This possibility is further supported by theories of child developmental psychology, which have demonstrated that the child’s primary relationship with the Other is rooted in affectivity. It is also reinforced by insights from the philosophy of language, particularly Stanley Cavell’s analysis of linguistic utterances, which reveals how the self discloses its affective states to the Other.

This study examines the overlap and conflict – ontologically – between three fundamental concepts: law, state, and security, along with the redefinition of other concepts such as freedom, justice, and rights. The central question of the study revolves around how to formulate a law that successfully enforces security within the state. It reviews the relationship between the state and the law and discusses cybersecurity as a new arena where the values of freedom and sovereignty clash, where the protection of individual liberties conflicts with state security interventions. It also highlights how these interventions can lead to violations of civil liberties, imposing a new conception of security crafted by the state. Additionally, the study addresses the transition from “rule of law” to a “security state”, where security, rather than freedom, becomes the ultimate goal of the state. It calls for rethinking the role of the state as a mediator between interconnected digital spaces and the challenge of formulating a legal framework capable of adapting to digital transformations without sacrificing democratic values.

Title: The Meaning of Life in the Modern World Author: Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al Wahaibi Published by: Dar Ibn al-Nadim for publishing and distribution & Dar al-Rawafed Cultural and Publisher, 2024. Pages: 454

Title: In Praise of Flexible Identities Author: Hassan Rachik Translated by: Hassan Talib Published by: Editions La Croisée des Chemins, 1990 Pages: 220

This article explores ethics within pragmatist philosophy, focusing particularly on two of its key figures. The first is John Dewey, one of the pioneers of classical pragmatism and a central figure alongside Peirce and William James, and the second is Richard Rorty, a driving force behind the new pragmatism at the end of the 20th century. Both philosophers played a decisive role in solidifying the foundations of pragmatism and expanding its reach. How did each contribute to defining the pragmatic approach in ethics specifically, and in axiology more broadly? Have they truly succeeded in clarifying what might be called a pragmatic ethical theory, if such a theory exists? The approach to the research is analytical, descriptive, and critical when necessary.

This research paper discusses the propositions of the French philosopher Edgar Morin, who expresses dissatisfaction with contemporary educational methods. These methods, according to Morin, have exacerbated human crises by failing to provide a rational discourse that champions humanity, thus failing their moral test. In this context, Morin offers his intellectual alternatives and proposals for educational reform, suggesting that sciences should continue to connect rather than diverge. To implement his project for an ethics of humanity or a universal ethics, Morin proposes a roadmap that includes fundamental principles essential for any future educational system. He also emphasizes the importance of considering the particularities of societies, their cultures, and moral codes to preserve humanity on our shared planet Earth.