When, If Ever, Can Violence be Justified?

“I think there are plenty of good people in America, but there are also plenty of bad people in America and the bad ones are the ones who seem to have all the power and be in these positions to block things that you and I need. Because this is the situation, you and I have to preserve the right to do what is necessary to bring an end to that situation, and it doesn't mean that I advocate violence, but at the same time, I am not against using violence in self-defense. I don't even call it violence when it's self-defense, I call it intelligence.” — Malcolm X

These words by Malcolm X continue to permeate the current global discourse on human thinking, judgment, and action. Throughout the diverse histories of humanity, violence has often acted as the protagonist. From events of colonial conquest to political resistance, violence often both impedes and catalyzes processes of justice and reconciliation. In this class, we'll delve into the philosophical dimensions of violence and its role in society. We'll explore the complexity of some of the more troubling social and political questions: To what extent can violence ever be involved in the creation of justice? What role does the individual play in creating and managing justice when the state fails to do so? Is violence ever constructive?

In order to explore these complex questions, this course will study J.M. Coetzee's novel, Disgrace, and Todd Field's film In the Bedroom. Although set in wildly distinct contexts, both Disgrace and In the Bedroom trace events of unjust human action, which in turn generates violent responses—transforming the victims of injustice into perpetrators of violence.

Course Reading & Film List

• Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee: A novel set in post-apartheid South Africa, exploring themes of power dynamics, racial tension, and the moral complexities of violence and retribution.
• In the Bedroom (film) directed by Todd Field: A film that portrays a tragic event and its aftermath, delving into themes of grief, revenge, and the moral quandaries surrounding violence.

Session 1: Read Disgrace, Chapters 1-10

Session 2: Read Disgrace, Chapters 11-24

Session 3: Watch In the Bedroom