The Superiority of the Subjugated

From the perspective of oppressed groups, the lives of the rich and powerful are not necessarily desirable – indeed, they often appear ignorant, corrupt, ugly, or sad. People whose realities are shaped by experiences of violence and suffering, on the other hand, often have access to epistemic insights, ethical attitudes, and aesthetic expressions that more privileged subjects lack. Whether they can tap into these resources, however, depends on certain practices of collectivization: on whether they are part of a counter-community. Liberation, therefore, can never come about through inclusion or integration into dominant institutions. The struggle for liberation is a struggle for the abolition of domination.

In this groundbreaking new work, Daniel Loick draws on classical figures such as Hegel and Marx, as well as recent proponents of critical theory in Germany such as Rahel Jaeggi and Axel Honneth. However his study is also informed by work in Anglophone academia and beyond, from different strands of Black studies, feminist, queer, and Marxist theory, including writers such as Fred Moten and Stefano Harvey, Silvia Federici, and Antonio Negri.

»If you want a better society, you need to listen to the disadvantaged, says philosopher Daniel Loick. Because those who have been shaped by suffering often have access to insights and ethical attitudes that the privileged are unfamiliar with.« Deutschlandfunk

»Daniel Loick’s depiction of a ›superiority of the subjugated‹ is incredibly enriching. The book puts its finger on something that I have often intuitively sensed myself, but have never really been able to give a name.« Yunq – Magazin für Popkultur

»In his spirited and somewhat audacious argument for the Superiority of the Subjugated, Loick delivers the message that the subjugated – so long as they are able to form ›counter-communities‹ – actually occupy a superior position.« Philosophie Magazin

»To invert the perspective – can a society learn from the very people who are marginalised by it? Yes, says philosopher Daniel Loick.« Bayern 2 

»Though they might often lack access to formal education, the underprivileged have the capacity to think beyond conventions. Can this notion be given a theoretical and practical foundation? This is the daring project pursued by Daniel Loick in The Superiority of the Subjugated.« Robert Misik, Falter

»Without a doubt an immensely important book.« Bettges - Essays zu Kunst-, Medien- und Sozialphilosophie