LiegentPolitical Theology: Four Chapters on the Concept of Sovereignty
What does it mean to have sovereignty? Schmitt's insightful work, Political Theology, tackles this complex question by analyzing the concept of political exception — when a state's normal order is suspended. Tracing the history of political and legal thought, he argues that sovereignty stems from the power to decide on exceptions. Schmitt provocatively shows how concepts of modern constitutional law parallel theological ideas. By reducing jurisprudence to its theological core, he reveals striking parallels between legal and religious concepts. This short challenges readers to reconsider the foundations of political authority, and dare to discover a penetrating, controversial perspective on the nature of sovereignty and the state.
Carl Schmitt was a prominent German jurist and political theorist of the 20th century, known for his significant contributions to legal and political philosophy. His work on the concept of sovereignty, which he defined as the power to decide the state of exception, has been influential in various fields of study, including political science, law, and philosophy. Schmitt's theories on the nature of politics, particularly his distinction between friend and enemy as the fundamental political distinction, have laid the foundation for 20th century political thought.
Chapters
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