Not knowing, emancipatory catastrophism and metamorphosis

Embracing the spirit of Ulrich Beck

Datos Bibliográficos

ID5802038
AutoresGabe Mythen (0000-0002-6528-9031, University of Liverpool, autor de correspondencia), Sandra Walklate (0000-0002-1628-9713, University of Liverpool)
Año2016
Volumen47
Número5
Páginas403-419
Fecha de publicación2016-08-13
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSecurity Dialogue (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0967-0106 • E-ISSN: 1460-3640
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0967010616651027
OpenAlexW2516470082
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas8
Referencias citadas34

Embracing the spirit of his observation that 'what was ruled out beforehand as inconceivable is taking place', this article urges a re-engagement with Ulrich Beck's work within security studies. In so doing, the article falls into three parts. First, we provide necessary contextual orientation, discussing the magnitude of Beck's contribution to understandings of risk and security in the social sciences. Second, we discuss the importance of comprehending Beck's unique methodological approach in order to appreciate the more specific resonances of his work. Third, we endorse the theoretical novelty of Beck's work, demonstrating the ways in which the tools that he devised might be put to use and extended in future. To this end, we focus on three interconnected conceptual devices developed by Beck in the latter stages of his career: nichtwissen, emancipatory catastrophism and metamorphosis. We conclude by emphasizing the vital need to grasp the practical as well as the academic ambitions that underpinned Beck's projective style of social theory

Global Security and Public Health · Peacebuilding and International Security · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research