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Debt and Guilt

A Political Philosophy

Elettra Stimilli author Stefania Porcelli translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:27th Dec '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Debt and Guilt cover

This insightful exploration examines the urgent issues of debt and guilt within contemporary society, highlighting how austerity measures influence our lives and shape our inner experiences through a philosophical lens.

In Debt and Guilt, Elettra Stimilli delves into the pressing issue of debt and its profound impact on our lives, particularly within the context of the austerity measures that have shaped European economic policies in recent years. Drawing on a rich tapestry of contemporary philosophy, psychology, and theology, Stimilli argues that the prevailing austerity model is rooted in the belief that individuals must endure punishment and guilt to fully acknowledge their economic transgressions. This exploration challenges readers to reconsider the societal narratives surrounding debt and personal responsibility.

Stimilli's work is informed by the ideas of influential thinkers such as Max Weber, Walter Benjamin, and Michel Foucault. By weaving their perspectives into her analysis, she offers a compelling examination of the intricate relationship between modern politics, economics, and the internal struggles individuals face. The book encourages readers to reflect on how these external pressures shape their inner lives, leading to a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological dimensions of debt.

As the first English translation of Debito e Colpa,Debt and Guilt serves as a thought-provoking resource that invites fresh perspectives on the concepts of debt and guilt in contemporary society. Stimilli's timely exploration not only illuminates the stifling effects of the Western austerity agenda but also prompts readers to engage with the broader implications of their economic realities, ultimately fostering a more nuanced dialogue about responsibility and societal values.

Elettra Stimilli’s new book offers a deeply-informed, succinct and far-ranging account of the debates around our contemporary condition of “universal indebtedness.” By asking fundamental questions and putting major figures into dialogue, she has rebooted and redrawn a whole field of political thinking. Her book deserves to be widely read by those—both in and out of academia—who believe that the present regime of debt and guilt cannot have the last word. -- Richard Dienst, Associate Professor of English, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA and author of 'The Bonds of Debt'
What a bracing, challenging, and compelling analysis and conceptual genealogy of the devastations of financial capitalism. Stimilli writes with clarity, eloquence, and brilliance. She not only shows how debt is the essential mechanism enabling the osmosis between the contemporary neoliberal state and the global financial market but also demonstrates the psychic, cultural and ultimately theological dimensions of debt in all its vicissitudes. This is essential reading for anyone who is trying to make sense of the current disaster. -- Rebecca Comay, Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Literature, University of Toronto, Canada

ISBN: 9781350063433

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 242g

184 pages