Radix - Current Issue

Abstract The state of exception is a juridico-political mechanism that temporarily suspends the law so governments can act more directly in an emergency situation. According to the philosopher Giorgio Agamben, contemporary politics should be understood as a permanent state of exception. This article explains what Agamben means by this permanent state of exception and how it relates to his analysis of biopolitic Read More

Abstract After the return of chemical warfare during the Syrian civil war, we now hear reports about the use of chemical weapons by Russia in Ukraine. Overall, chemical weapons are rarely used and there is strong legislation against them, so it often leads to firm international reactions when they are used. In this contribution, I explain the role of chemical weapons at both operational and strategic levels, highlighting the Read More

Abstract This article examines the relationship between faith and happiness in times of crisis. A review of empirical literature indicates that religion reduces the negative effect of various types of crisis (death of relatives, natural disasters, or unemployment) on happiness. This is not only due to enforcement of social networks, but also to cognitive and motivational dimensions of religions. This article presents additional empirical Read More

Abstract Recent studies have indicated an increase in psychological disorders among young people in Western society. This article explores the potential contribution of Christian theology to the public debate by examining the dispute between Luther and Erasmus on free will. The crux of the disagreement lies in the question of anthropology: whether humans are free and the architects of their own lives, irrespective of divine i Read More

Abstract Confidence is a strong form of hope, an essential element of the cardinal virtue of courage. Thomas compares courage and trust to the gift of the Spirit named courage and to the beatitude about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He interprets Jesus’ prescription not to be afraid as an exhortation to courage. Thomas’ topicality lies in the distinction between feeling and virtue, in the conviction that trust c Read More