Introduction: Militancy as a Civic Virtue Part I: A Standard of Sound Militancy 1. The Militant's Vocation 2. The Liberal Objection 3. The Democratic Standard Part II: Applications 4. Civil Disobedience 5. Disruptive Direct Action 6. Sabotage 7. The Black Bloc 8. Rioting 9. Armed Struggle
This book addresses the ethics and politics of militant protest, ranging from non-violent civil disobedience through to rioting, sabotage and armed struggle and asks if it is ever justifiable to use armed force.
Stephen D'Arcy is an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy at Huron University College, at Western University, in London, Ontario. He teaches courses in moral and political philosophy, and publishes in the areas of democratic theory and practical ethics. He is a long-time social activist and protest organizer.
Contrary to those liberals and social democrats who argue that
militant activism is antidemocratic, Stephen D'Arcy makes a
sustained argument coming from within democratic theory that forms
of militant disruptive protest can instead be seen as crucial to
defending and expanding participatory forms of democracy. Giving
voice to those who have not been heard and developing political
autonomy, direct action politics can be seen as a civic virtue and
a crucial part of democratic forms of revolutionary social
transformation.
*Gary Kinsman, author of The Regulation of Desire*
I highly recommend this book to all people, young and old, and
especially to Indigenous youth who are at the forefront of this
generation of activists. It is important to know when and where
protests, blockades, or militant actions have been successful. And
why!
*Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, Ontario Native Women's Association*
In this wide-ranging discussion of militancy, Stephen D'Arcy takes
the reader through an argument that begins with civil disobedience
and ends with armed struggle. To a democrat, D'Arcy argues, none of
these should be taboo. You may part company with him at some stage,
but if you are really committed to democracy you will have to
consider his arguments.
*Justin Podur, author of Haiti's New Dictatorship*
Are riots good for democracy? Stephen D'Arcy answers provocatively
in the affirmative. With implacable logic, engaging prose, and a
sensitivity to moral and ethical complexities, Languages of the
Unheard demonstrates what radicals of all stripes intuitively know:
to rebel is justified, and democracy - if it is to be found
anywhere - is in the streets. By reframing debates concerning
''violence'' and militant protest in new and fertile ways, D'Arcy
has made an invaluable contribution to the intellectual arsenal of
activists everywhere.
*Nikolas Barry-Shaw, co-author of'Paved with Good Intentions*
Cutting across politically unhelpful and pernicious media-led
divisions between supposedly "good" and "bad" protesters, Stephen
D'Arcy presents a rigorous and convincing defence of militancy. By
reframing the debate around democracy rather than violence, D'Arcy
presents the case for tactics that oppose elites and give voice to
the unheard and neglected. Anyone who takes protest and riot
seriously needs to confront the issues that D'Arcy identifies - his
arguments should give you much to think (and act) upon.
*Nina Power, Roehampton University*
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