2021
Hansen, Ejvind
The Freedom to Remain Silent. The Right to make Qualified Contributions to the Public Sphere Unpublished
2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, critique, discourse analysis, freedom of expression, journalism, publicsphere, silence
@unpublished{Hansen2021c,
title = {The Freedom to Remain Silent. The Right to make Qualified Contributions to the Public Sphere},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://offentligheder.dk/forsvar-doktorafhandling-om-tavshedens-produktive-rolle-i-offentligheden/},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-10-12},
urldate = {2021-10-12},
abstract = {Manuscript handed in with the view to obtain the higher doctoral degree in philosophy (dr. phil -- comparable to the German "Habilitation"). Defended at Aarhus University on December 2023.
This book sets out to turn a centuries-old discussion about a particular aspect of democracy on its head. It has been commonplace since the Enlightenment and the emergence of rationalism to believe that some form of freedom of expression is the path to an enlightened public sphere. While accepting that this is the case, I wish to supplement this line of thought by adding its opposite into the mix. Just as dialogue and information are indispensable ingredients in a functioning democracy, I want to show that silence is also a fundamental prerequisite. With this in mind, I suggest that we supplement thinking about freedom of expression with similar deliberations about freedom of silence. In order to prepare the ground for this, the book sets out to bring forth the significance and importance of silence in the generation of communicative significance. This is done in a reading of Habermas, Heidegger, Derrida, Deleuze, Kierkegaard, (a.o.). In the second half of the book I show how silence can be used critically to create space for thoughtfulness in the democratic spheres that tend to be crowded with an overwhelming amount of discussion.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, critique, discourse analysis, freedom of expression, journalism, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {unpublished}
}
This book sets out to turn a centuries-old discussion about a particular aspect of democracy on its head. It has been commonplace since the Enlightenment and the emergence of rationalism to believe that some form of freedom of expression is the path to an enlightened public sphere. While accepting that this is the case, I wish to supplement this line of thought by adding its opposite into the mix. Just as dialogue and information are indispensable ingredients in a functioning democracy, I want to show that silence is also a fundamental prerequisite. With this in mind, I suggest that we supplement thinking about freedom of expression with similar deliberations about freedom of silence. In order to prepare the ground for this, the book sets out to bring forth the significance and importance of silence in the generation of communicative significance. This is done in a reading of Habermas, Heidegger, Derrida, Deleuze, Kierkegaard, (a.o.). In the second half of the book I show how silence can be used critically to create space for thoughtfulness in the democratic spheres that tend to be crowded with an overwhelming amount of discussion.
Hansen, Ejvind
Hvordan tavshedens aporier driver diskursanalysen ud af balance Journal Article
In: Paradoks.nu, 2021, ISSN: 2597-3185.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, discourse analysis, publicsphere, silence
@article{Hansen2021b,
title = {Hvordan tavshedens aporier driver diskursanalysen ud af balance},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://paradoks.nu/2021/09/23/hvordan-tavshedens-aporier-driver-diskursanalysen-ud-af-balance/
http://offentligheder.dk/den-fjerde-statsmagt-som-udoever-af-tavshed/},
issn = {2597-3185},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-09-23},
urldate = {2021-09-23},
journal = {Paradoks.nu},
abstract = {I denne artikel viser jeg, hvordan tavsheden kan bruges i kritisk diskursanalyse. Artiklen lægger sig i forlængelse af Faircloughs arbejde med at metodologisere diskursanalysen. Set fra et foucaultsk perspektiv er der ganske vist en række problemer ved dette, men jeg argumenterer for at et fokus på, hvordan tavshed spiller et rolle ind i diskurserne, kan afhjælpe nogle af de filosofiske bekymringer herved. En måde at håndtere udfordringerne er nemlig ved vedvarende at udfordre, nuancere og variere metoderne. I forlængelse af et længere forskningsprojekt, hvor jeg filosofisk opsøger måder, hvorpå tavshed er konstitutiv for diskursive praksisser i offentligheden, giver jeg et bud på, hvordan disse indsigter kan bringes i spil i en diskursanalytisk kontekst. Jeg argumenterer for, at fordelen ved at bringe et tavshedsfokus ind i den metodologiserede diskursanalyse er, at tavsheden i sig selv modsætter sig den fastfrysning, som ligger latent i metodologiseringen, fordi tavsheden peger ind i en aporetisk (uomgængelig og uløselig) problematik. Konkret viser jeg, hvordan en diskursanalytisk fokusering på aporetiske strukturer i vores begreber om legitimitet kan bruges til at opløse eller modificere eksisterende diskursive modstillinger. Min case er her en virtuel diskussion mellem Greta Thunberg og Pia Kjærsgaard.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, discourse analysis, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2018
Hansen, Ejvind
The Fourth Estate: the Construction and Place of Silence in the Public Sphere Journal Article
In: Philosophy & Social Criticism, vol. 44, no. 10, pp. 1071–1089, 2018, ISSN: 0191-4537.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, critique, journalism, publicsphere, silence
@article{Hansen2018c,
title = {The Fourth Estate: the Construction and Place of Silence in the Public Sphere},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/0191453718797991
http://offentligheder.dk/for-lidt-tavshed-i-offentligheden/
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_SilenceAndDeliberation.pdf},
doi = {10.1177/0191453718797991},
issn = {0191-4537},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-11-21},
journal = {Philosophy & Social Criticism},
volume = {44},
number = {10},
pages = {1071–1089},
abstract = {The main narratives of prevailing ideas of the Fourth Estate were articulated in the era of traditional mass media, and these traditional narratives are challenged by the changing media landscapes. This raises the question whether traditional narratives of the Fourth Estate should be maintained. We will argue – through a close reading of Derrida’s reflections on the relationship between communicative significance and silence, combined with a deliberative ideal for democracy – that the new structures of communication call for a Fourth Estate that focuses on creating spaces for flexible structures of silence in the public sphere. The Fourth Estate has an obvious assignment of counteracting problematic structures of silence (if certain important voices are not being heard). In this paper we will, however, bring out assignments of creating spaces of silence in the public sphere: By (a) silencing certain dominant voices, (b) making room for an increased lack of answers, and (c) creating an awareness of the insufficiencies of the public spheres.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, critique, journalism, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hansen, Ejvind
Deliberation and Forgiveness in the Public Sphere Journal Article
In: Critical Horizons. A Journal of Philosophy and Social Theory, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 49-66, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, critique, forgiving, publicsphere
@article{Hansen2018b,
title = {Deliberation and Forgiveness in the Public Sphere},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14409917.2017.1376935
http://offentligheder.dk/tilgivende-refleksion/
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_ForgivingDeliberation.pdf
},
doi = {10.1080/14409917.2017.1376935},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-18},
journal = {Critical Horizons. A Journal of Philosophy and Social Theory},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {49-66},
abstract = {A common objection to the argument for deliberative democracy is that it cannot provide mechanisms for achieving its ideal of all-inclusiveness. This does, however, not in itself refute the deliberative ideal. In a reading of Hannah Arendt and Jacques Derrida’s writings on forgiveness, we argue that forgiving involves a renegotiation of our enemies and of ourselves. Hereby a renegotiation of the seemingly unbridgeable understandings of who our enemies are can be achieved. Forgiving involves a realisation that we have something in common with our foes. This opens the question: Why did our paths separate? We become puzzled and start to search for reasons. This does not mean that we have to accept ways of life that we detest. But it does mean that we need to be able to articulate counter arguments. Hereby limitations of prevailing understandings of who to include in deliberative processes can be overcome.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, critique, forgiving, publicsphere},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hansen, Ejvind
Aporias of courage and the freedom of expression Journal Article
In: Philosophy & Social Criticism, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 100-117, 2018, ISSN: 0191-4537.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, courage, freedom of expression, publicsphere
@article{Hansen2018a,
title = {Aporias of courage and the freedom of expression},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0191453717723193
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_AporiasOfCourage.pdf
http://offentligheder.dk/modige-ytringer-i-offentligheden/},
doi = {10.1177/0191453717723193},
issn = {0191-4537},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-02},
urldate = {2018-01-02},
journal = {Philosophy & Social Criticism},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {100-117},
abstract = {In this article we will suggest that the traditional account of the freedom of expression needs revision. The emergence of Internet media has shown that the traditional ideal of a plurality of voices does not in itself lead to fruitful public spheres. Inspired by Foucault’s interpretation of the Greek concept parrhesia we suggest that the plurality of voices should be supplemented with an ideal of courageous truth-telling. We will furthermore argue that the notion of courage has two dimensions that should be taken into account. On the one hand a Derridean reading of courage brings out a disruptive and aporetic feature of courage. On the other hand, courage also needs to be articulated through some kind of goal, which in a public setting calls for a deliberative dimension. We conclude by suggesting that public spheres with courageous truth-telling will facilitate societies in which strong voices and opinions are continuously challenged by less strong voices.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, courage, freedom of expression, publicsphere},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2017
Hansen, Ejvind
Tal! – sammen Book
Forlaget Mindspace, 2017, ISBN: 978-87-93535-16-9.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, courage, critique, dissemination, forgiving, freedom of expression, publicsphere, silence
@book{Hansen2017b,
title = {Tal! – sammen},
author = {Ejvind Hansen
},
url = {http://www.forlagetmindspace.dk/udgivelser/skolen-for-livet/tal-sammen
http://offentligheder.dk/tal-sammen/
},
isbn = {978-87-93535-16-9},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-11-08},
publisher = {Forlaget Mindspace},
abstract = {Samtaler skaber og ødelægger liv. Samtaler åbner for verden ved at lukke for den. For at kunne samtale er vi nødt til dyrke tavsheden. Vi kan kun sikre ytringsfriheden ved at begrænse den.
Tal! - sammen handler om sådanne paradokser i samtaler, som vi ikke kan løse, men som vi alligevel må forsøge at løsne op for. Ved at forstå hvordan vi kan begrunde vores talehandlinger og talefrihed, kan vi se, hvilken magt talen har og hvordan vi kan blive bedre til at tale på en måde, der åbner for rummelige fællesskaber, hvor flest muligt har indflydelse, og hvor vi gennem vores forskellighed udfordrer hinanden til en bred, nysgerrig og nuanceret forståelse af forhold i verden.
Den gode samtale forudsætter, at vi lærer at reflektere over samtalens grænser og indimellem at holde mund.
Bogen er en let tilgængelig introduktion til samtalens betingelser og henvender sig til studerende og professionelle, der arbejder med kommunikation.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, courage, critique, dissemination, forgiving, freedom of expression, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Tal! - sammen handler om sådanne paradokser i samtaler, som vi ikke kan løse, men som vi alligevel må forsøge at løsne op for. Ved at forstå hvordan vi kan begrunde vores talehandlinger og talefrihed, kan vi se, hvilken magt talen har og hvordan vi kan blive bedre til at tale på en måde, der åbner for rummelige fællesskaber, hvor flest muligt har indflydelse, og hvor vi gennem vores forskellighed udfordrer hinanden til en bred, nysgerrig og nuanceret forståelse af forhold i verden.
Den gode samtale forudsætter, at vi lærer at reflektere over samtalens grænser og indimellem at holde mund.
Bogen er en let tilgængelig introduktion til samtalens betingelser og henvender sig til studerende og professionelle, der arbejder med kommunikation.
2013
Hansen, Ejvind
Aporias of Digital Journalism Journal Article
In: Journalism: Theory, Practice & Criticism, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 678–694, 2013.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, internet, journalism, publicsphere
@article{Hansen2013,
title = {Aporias of Digital Journalism},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
url = {http://jou.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/07/10/1464884912453283.abstract?rss=1
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_AporiasOfDigitalJournalism.pdf},
doi = {10.1177/1464884912453283},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Journalism: Theory, Practice & Criticism},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {678--694},
abstract = {The internet poses, in certain ways, a problem for journalists: on the one hand, it is evidently a marvellous tool for investigative work, for the rapid dissemination of information, and for creating new news platforms with new constituencies; on the other hand, these constituencies, habituated to the real time coordinates of internet communication, are impatient with the old rhythms of the news cycle, and impatient with forms of journalistic authority that were formed in the era of one-way mass medias. The very status of the journalist as reporter or opinion maker has been put into question as the bar to entry for creating a mass media audience has lowered dramatically – which was first noticed when bloggers of all types rose to prominence. This article presents an account of journalism that relates thematically to the idea that the future of journalism lies primarily in the journalist as editor, moderator and curator. We suggest, however, that these accounts need a twist in order to incorporate the critical ethos of journalism. Journalists should not be thought of merely as those who edit, moderate and curate already ongoing dialogues. Journalists should also help to show the blank spots of ongoing dialogues, in order to make the silent voices heard. Journalists should facilitate an awareness of which voices are not heard in the ongoing dialogues. To show this, we articulate a Derridean deconstruction of the situation of journalists, hereby showing that the founding aporias of journalism (the aporia of giving and denying voices) have been replaced by an aporia of giving and denying room for dialogue.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, internet, journalism, publicsphere},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hansen, Ejvind
Critique as Lending Voice to the Mystical Journal Article
In: SATS – Northern European Journal of Philosophy, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 142–152, 2013.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, critique
@article{Hansen2013d,
title = {Critique as Lending Voice to the Mystical},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/sats.2013.14.issue-2/sats-2013-0008/sats-2013-0008.xml?format=INT
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_CritiqueLendingVoiceMystical.pdf},
doi = {10.1515/sats-2013-0008. },
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {SATS – Northern European Journal of Philosophy},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {142--152},
abstract = {In this paper, I contemplate the relationship between two apparently opposing approaches to critical theory: one privileges the focus on the rational coherence of discourse (which is characteristic, for instance, of Habermas), while the other privileges the focus upon experiential world disclosure (which is characteristic of those influenced by Heidegger). I will suggest that these two approaches complement each other in that they accentuate two different dimensions of intellectual and practical approaches towards the world: the quest for systematicity and the quest for adequacy. Habermas’ claim that critique that is not based in the protocols of rational coherence quickly becomes obscurantist and reactionary does admittedly articulate an important point in relation to critical reflection when it aims at articulating alternatives to an entrenched power structure. It will, however, be argued that critical reflection also needs an openness towards alternative narratives that are not bounded by fixed truthclaims, but rather operate through problematising the prevailing horizons of truth. This will be my starting point for suggesting that the critical aspect of world-disclosing approaches consists in their showing alternative potentialities - rather than alternative realities. In order to carry out this argument, I propose a distinction between rationality, irrationality and the non-rational, which leads to the claim that it is not irrational for rationality to be contemplated in relation to the non-rational.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, critique},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2011
Hansen, Ejvind
Den dialog-udfordrende journalist Book Section
In: Buch, Roger (Ed.): Forandringens journalistik. 40 års tilbageblik, pp. 97–117, Forlaget Ajour, Aarhus, 2011, ISBN: 978-87-92816-03-0.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, critique, dissemination, ethics, journalism, publicsphere
@incollection{Hansen2011a,
title = {Den dialog-udfordrende journalist},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
editor = {Roger Buch},
url = {http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/018DenDialogUdfordrendeJournalist.PDF},
isbn = {978-87-92816-03-0},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
booktitle = {Forandringens journalistik. 40 års tilbageblik},
pages = {97--117},
publisher = {Forlaget Ajour},
address = {Aarhus},
abstract = {Da lovforslaget om “Danmarks Journalisthøjskole og Institut for Presseforskning” blev vedtaget i 1970 og realiseret i 1971, blev journalistikkens rolle i samfundet kodificeret. I de samme år fandt imidlertid også en kommunikationsteknologisk revolution sted, som på sigt kom til at etablere en udfordring i den journalistiske selvforståelse. Betydningen af disse hændelser og opfindelser kunne man ikke forudse i 1971, men fra 40-års perspektivet etablerer dannelsen af Journalisthøjskolen og Internettets fremvækst to hændelser en tydelig dialektik, som i dag udgør en uomgængelig udfordring for journalistikken. Internet teknologierne har på den ene side lettet mange journalistiske processer. På den anden side bliver journalistens “monopol” som vidensformidler og formidler af kontakt mellem magthavere og befolkning også udfordret.Internettet har ofte været anset for at være et muligt værktøj til at effektivisere den journalistiske opgave. Jeg argumenterer imidlertid for, at Internettet radikalt forandrer hele relationen i den offentlige sfære, så den kommunikative udfordring forflytter sig. Snarere end at skulle bøvle med at bringe den rette information frem til modtagerne, bliver udfordringen nu, hvordan man faciliterer en åben og kritisk udfordrende dialog. Til dette formål må vi have nyere argumentative analyseværktøjer som diskursanalyse og dekonstruktion til hjælp. Kun herved kan journalister håbe på at løse den journalistiske udfordring: At udvikle og afgrænse rum for dialog – i forhold til passende grader af uenighed mellem deltagerne.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, critique, dissemination, ethics, journalism, publicsphere},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
2010
Hansen, Ejvind
Kantian antinomies in digital communications media Journal Article
In: Telos, vol. 150, pp. 137–142, 2010.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, critique, internet, Kant, publicsphere
@article{Hansen2010a,
title = {Kantian antinomies in digital communications media},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
url = {http://journal.telospress.com/content/2010/150/137.short
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/016Kantian Antinomies.pdf
},
doi = {10.3817/0310150137},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
urldate = {2010-01-01},
journal = {Telos},
volume = {150},
pages = {137--142},
abstract = {In this statement I contemplate the relationship between the Kantian antinomies and modern digital communicative media. The antinomies demonstrate that knowledge is decisively indeterminate. The indeterminate character of our knowledge is an important source for critical reflection. Since we are inevitably bound up in a dialectics between finitude and infinitude, we are never allowed to fall back into a self-assured conviction of the infallibility of our understanding. I do, however, demonstrate that digital media are characterized by a fundamental finitude. This poses a potential bias in digitally mediated communication of which it is important to be aware. Kantian transcendental dialectics thus proves to be relevant in framing our communication within the digital systems – and in the creation of new media. The point is not that there is never room for critical reflection in digital media, but rather that digital media in certain respects diminishes our awareness of the need for critical reflection.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, critique, internet, Kant, publicsphere},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2008
Hansen, Ejvind
Det digitale spøgelse Book Section
In: Hansen, Ejvind; Kreutzfeldt, Danny; Sylvestersen, Inge (Ed.): Digitale mellemværender, pp. 108–131, Philosophia, Aarhus, 2008, ISBN: 9788788663426.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, critique, internet
@incollection{Hansen2008a,
title = {Det digitale spøgelse},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
editor = {Ejvind Hansen and Danny Kreutzfeldt and Inge Sylvestersen},
url = {http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_DetDigitaleSpøgelse.pdf},
isbn = {9788788663426},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
booktitle = {Digitale mellemværender},
pages = {108--131},
publisher = {Philosophia},
address = {Aarhus},
abstract = {Spørgsmålet som denne artikel skal reflektere over lyder: "Hvilken betydning har kommunikationens digitalisering for den kritiske dialog?"Dette kan man ikke give et endeligt svar på – og da slet ikke i en artikel, der passer ind i en antologi. Så alt efter hvilket fokus, man vælger at lægge, vil man kunne komme med forskellige svar. Jeg vil primært fokusere på de internetbårne medier. Her skal man ikke være en stor analytiker for at vise, at de digitale medier på mange måder har givet rum for kritiske røster. I denne artikel vil jeg imidlertid prøve at udpege nogle strukturer i disse medier, som kan medføre en vis blindhed overfor nødvendigheden af kritisk refleksion. En blindhed, der udspringer af et manglende overblik, og en overdreven begejstring over mediets effektivitet. I denne analyse vil jeg særligt trække på Jacques Derrida, der i sine skrifter reflekterede meget over mediernes indflydelse på kommunikationen og tænkningen.},
keywords = {academic, aporias, critique, internet},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
2005
Hansen, Ejvind
Døden som foruroligende beroligelse Book Section
In: Steen, Brock; Anette, Samsø (Ed.): Mens vi venter på døden. Døden i etisk og kulturfilosofisk belysning, pp. 217–239, Philosophia Press, Aarhus, 2005, ISBN: 87-88663-15-9.
Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, aporias, ethics
@incollection{Hansen2005e,
title = {Døden som foruroligende beroligelse},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
editor = {Brock Steen and Samsø Anette},
url = {http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_DødenSomForuroligendeBeroligelse.pdf},
isbn = {87-88663-15-9},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
urldate = {2005-01-01},
booktitle = {Mens vi venter på døden. Døden i etisk og kulturfilosofisk belysning},
pages = {217--239},
publisher = {Philosophia Press},
address = {Aarhus},
keywords = {academic, aporias, ethics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}