A Theory of Liberation

We live in a time of failed liberations. Under critical examination, it turns out that sooner or later all attempts at liberation have produced new forms of domination and thus of servitude. According to Christoph Menke, we must reverse our perspective to explain this situation. Instead of simply turning to the next project of liberation, we need to analyse how previous attempts at liberation have unfolded. And in doing so, the way they began is most crucial – the ordinary but fascinating experience of a habit that enslaves us suddenly disintegrating. To affirm this experience is to enter into the practice of liberation.

From this fundamental thesis, Menke develops a ground-breaking theory of liberation that involves a revision of the usual notions of freedom, whether anchored in nature or in society. And it turns out that freedom and domination are indissolubly intertwined, that liberation is not the precursor of freedom, but rather the process of its implementation. This is illustrated by two significant exemplary narratives of liberation on which this book draws: the Exodus from Genesis 2 and the story of Walter White in the television series Breaking Bad.

»stupendous interpretations, captivating style and rigorous conceptual work of a philosophy that aspires to the standard of Adorno.« Florian Meinel, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

»Menke proves himself a thinker who knows how to present profound and sophisticated reflections beyond what has been heard a thousand times before.« Sebastian Ostritsch, Süddeutsche Zeitung

»Menke does not shy away from the loose, the unfathomable, the unfinished. Because this also offers the possibility of a new beginning. ... For [him] it remains a story with many twists and turns – one with an open end. And that is ... fascinating.« Peter Neumann, Die Zeit

»Those interested in these fundamental questions and possible answers to them should take time [to read this book] – this epochal fundamental work cannot be studied quickly.« Micha Brumlik, taz am wochenende

»The philosopher, who teaches in Frankfurt, develops his theoretical composition with formal elegance and didactic prudence.« Christoph Bartmann, Philosophie Magazin, Book of the Month

»With his Theory of Liberation, Menke presents a highly sophisticated, philosophic – in the best sense of the word – book that challenges established intellectual traditions as well as the conventional concepts of freedom.« Jürgen Nielsen-Sikora, Glanz und Elend

»Menke makes an important contribution to the ability of thinking about political alternatives beyond the liberal mainstream. And that is a great feat.« WDR3 on Critique of Rights