Violence and social (in)justice: An interview with Vittorio Bufacchi

Abstract

In this interview, Prof. Vittorio Bufacchi examines in detail the relationship between two equally challenging issues, i.e. violence and social (in)justice [and their intersection]. In the introductory part, he dicusses what triggered his own interest in violence. At the same time, he examines philosophy’s main contribution to discussions over violence. In the central part of the interview Prof. Bufacchi revisits the ‘standard’ distinction between ‘narrow’ and ‘wide’ definitions of violence [including both the strength and weaknesses of both approaches]. He also discusses some of the most pressing contemporary challenges facing scholars working on issues related to violent extremism and political violence in general.In the closing part of the interview, Prof. Bufacchi discusses some of the neglected aspects of violence (at both practical and theoretical level).