Morris, L (2012) Understanding torture: the strengths and the limits of social theory. The International Journal of Human Rights, 16 (8). pp. 1127-1141. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2012.727803
Morris, L (2012) Understanding torture: the strengths and the limits of social theory. The International Journal of Human Rights, 16 (8). pp. 1127-1141. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2012.727803
Morris, L (2012) Understanding torture: the strengths and the limits of social theory. The International Journal of Human Rights, 16 (8). pp. 1127-1141. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2012.727803
Abstract
This article explores the contribution that social theory can make to an understanding of the practice of torture. After a contextual introduction it addresses the idealist?realist divide, and the use made of Durkheim and Weber to respectively support two irreconcilable positions, thus displaying the limits of theory. The article then argues that social theory may be better suited to a more modest aim of analysing the social relations, social structures and discursive manoeuvres that underpin the practice of torture, while also considering the role of agency, constraint and individual responsibility. In this light the article revisits the use made of Durkheim and Weber in the opening debate and reconsiders the nature of their continuing relevance.
Item Type: | Article |
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Uncontrolled Keywords: | human rights; social theory; torture; agency; ethics |
Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) |
Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology and Criminology, Department of |
SWORD Depositor: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Date Deposited: | 13 Dec 2012 13:29 |
Last Modified: | 16 May 2024 18:20 |
URI: | http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/4700 |