2025
Hansen, Ejvind
Tavshedens opbyggelighed. En bog om at tie stille for at tale sammen Book
Multivers, København, 2025, ISBN: 978-87-7917-661-4.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: discourse analysis, dissemination, publicsphere, silence
@book{Hansen2025a,
title = {Tavshedens opbyggelighed. En bog om at tie stille for at tale sammen},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://offentligheder.dk/tavshedens-opbyggelighed/
https://multivers.dk/product/tavshedens-opbyggelighed},
isbn = {978-87-7917-661-4},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-08-15},
urldate = {2025-08-15},
publisher = {Multivers},
address = {København},
abstract = {TAVSHEDENS OPBYGGELIGHED handler om et paradoks: At nærvær og kommunikation forudsætter fravær og tavshed. I en stadigt mere larmende offentlighed slår bogen et slag for de pauser og pusterum, der gør vores samtaler meningsfulde og frie. Og for den frugtbare tavshed, som let kan overdøves i en kultur, hvor retten til at tale, ytringsfriheden, er den højest skattede værdi. I bogen foreslår Ejvind Hansen et supplement til ytringsfriheden: en tavshedsfrihed. Den skal få os til at værdsætte tavsheden og gøre os bedre til at holde pauser fra samtalen, lytte og tænke efter.
"Vi er dømt til tavshed, hvis vi vil sige noget. Men hvis vi bliver gode til at forstå dette, rummer dommen en invitation til frihed."},
keywords = {discourse analysis, dissemination, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
"Vi er dømt til tavshed, hvis vi vil sige noget. Men hvis vi bliver gode til at forstå dette, rummer dommen en invitation til frihed."
2024
Hansen, Ejvind
Searching for the fourfold in critical discourse analysis Journal Article
In: Philosophy & Social Criticism, vol. 50, iss. 9, pp. 1335-1353, 2024, ISSN: 0191-4537.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, critique, discourse analysis, publicsphere, silence
@article{Hansen2024f,
title = {Searching for the fourfold in critical discourse analysis},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01914537221145577
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/PreprintGeviertInDiscourseanalysis.pdf
http://offentligheder.dk/diskursanalyse-af-tavsheden/},
doi = {10.1177/01914537221145577},
issn = {0191-4537},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-09-16},
urldate = {2022-12-13},
journal = {Philosophy & Social Criticism},
volume = {50},
issue = {9},
pages = {1335-1353},
abstract = {This article argues that late Heidegger’s analyses of the Fourfold can be used as a methodological starting point for discourse analyses. It argues that the Fourfold points out elements or foundations of discursive structures that orient us to differing, and to some extent opposing, directions that are at the same time mutually interdependent. A discursive analysis of how the Fourfold is at play in prevailing discursive exchanges and structures will thus be a matter of situating ourselves in a conceptual space beyond existing practices and structures, from which we get a picture of their inadequacies. As such, the article contributes to a critical understanding of discourse analysis. It will be argued that through understanding the Fourfold, we can better understand the problems with various aspects of ‘measuring’, which are founded upon the (concealed) instability of elements of the Fourfold – which shapes practical discursive engagements. By foregrounding this structural instability we can approach it critically. I demonstrate how this approach might be used in an analysis of a debate between Greta Thunberg and Bjørn Lomborg.},
keywords = {academic, critique, discourse analysis, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hansen, Ejvind
Journalists Gaining Trust Through Silencing of the Self Journal Article
In: SATS – Northern European Journal of Philosophy, vol. 25, iss. 1, pp. 49-68, 2024, ISBN: 1869-7577.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, critique, journalism, publicsphere, silence
@article{Hansen2024c,
title = {Journalists Gaining Trust Through Silencing of the Self},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1515/sats-2023-0002
https://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/PreprintSilenceTrust.pdf},
doi = {10.1515/sats-2023-0002},
isbn = {1869-7577},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-05-21},
urldate = {2024-05-21},
journal = {SATS – Northern European Journal of Philosophy},
volume = {25},
issue = {1},
pages = {49-68},
abstract = {Journalists depend on two vectors of trust: the trust invested in them by their sources, and the trust invested in them by their end-users. For many years, trust has become a key issue in the articulation of the journalistic profession. This paper distinguishes between two traditional approaches to earn public trust: either through an emphasis on the ideal of objectivity, or by a sort of showing one’s cards: an explicit declaration of one’s subjectivity. Through a reading of Løgstrup, Derrida, and Deleuze, we argue that both positions are inadequate solutions to the problem of trust. In as much as subjectivity is continuously negotiated in interaction with the unknown and the uncontrollable, the poles of objectivity and subjectivity cannot define the narrative event without each supplementing the other. To escape from this impasse, we suggest a third approach: a hospitable journalism characterized by a hospitable attitude towards the uncontrollable and the strange, or unknown, which operates to make the individual more aware of herself and her place in the world. This invitation happens through a silencing of the self.},
keywords = {academic, critique, journalism, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hansen, Ejvind
The fourth estate operating by means of silencing Journal Article
In: Journalism, vol. 25, iss. 1, pp. 141-157, 2024, ISBN: 1741-3001.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, critique, journalism, publicsphere, silence
@article{Hansen2024a,
title = {The fourth estate operating by means of silencing},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/PreprintJournalistsImposingSilence.pdf
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14648849221132601
http://offentligheder.dk/den-fjerde-statsmagt-som-udoever-af-tavshed/
},
doi = {10.1177/14648849221132601},
isbn = {1741-3001},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-10},
urldate = {2024-01-10},
journal = {Journalism},
volume = {25},
issue = {1},
pages = {141-157},
abstract = {The traditional foundation of the placed reserved for the Fourth Estate in democratic practice is under pressure. To revitalize this idea, a focus upon how journalists handle silence professionally is suggested. It is argued that it is important to bring out how the handling of silence is carried out, and to understand that silence is not only something to be avoided. Silence is of foundational importance for communicative significance to emerge. In a reading of Deleuze, Heidegger and Derrida, we argue for a model in which silence is necessary for significant communicative exchanges. We avoid thoughtlessness by allotting a function to silence; for communication requires not just information but a channel of silence, so to speak. It is, finally, argued that it is important not to expect the revealed forms of silence to be problematic. It is demonstrated that certain forms of silence can be analysed as democracy enhancing because they permit less heated exchanges that make room for thoughtful contemplation.},
keywords = {academic, critique, journalism, publicsphere, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
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}
}
Hansen, Ejvind
Silence Outside the Repressive Paradigm: Silence as a Condition for Public Exchanges Journal Article
In: Critical Horizons, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 233-249, 2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, publicsphere, silence
@article{Hansen2021a,
title = {Silence Outside the Repressive Paradigm: Silence as a Condition for Public Exchanges},
author = {Ejvind Hansen},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14409917.2021.1953747
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/Preprint_ConceptsOfSilence.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/14409917.2021.1953747},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-08-06},
urldate = {2021-08-06},
journal = {Critical Horizons},
volume = {22},
number = {3},
pages = {233-249},
abstract = {Silence is often considered under the sign of repression or oppression, and as such, the result of forces hostile to democracy. In this paper we will try to demystify that unilateral image of silence, reviving the dialectic between silence and democracy in which the former operates as a foundational precondition for exchanges in the democratic public spheres. An increased awareness of the structures of silence will help us reflect upon what remains external to ongoing public discourses. Through a reading of Deleuze, Foucault, Derrida and Heidegger, it will be shown that understanding silence not as the passive negative of speaking, but as an active form of reflection, will help us become aware of what is pre-emptively excluded from discursive exchanges. It is argued that an awareness of this kind of silence can help us reflect upon the structures of public discourses.},
keywords = {academic, 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}
}
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.
2009
Hansen, Ejvind
Communicative In-Betweens of Email Communication Journal Article
In: Techné: Research in Philosophy and Technology, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 13-26, 2009, ISBN: 1091-8264.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, internet, silence
@article{Hansen2009,
title = {Communicative In-Betweens of Email Communication},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
url = {http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/SPT/v13n1/
http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/CommunicativeInBetweens.pdf},
doi = {10.5840/techne20091312},
isbn = {1091-8264},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
urldate = {2009-01-01},
journal = {Techné: Research in Philosophy and Technology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {13-26},
abstract = {In this paper I seek to deconstruct internet-based communication. I highlight Derrida’s focus on the margins and in-betweens of communication, and relate it to the genre of e-mail. I argue (i) that the silence between the dialogic turns becomes more marked, while (ii) the separation of present and previous statements becomes less marked. The visibility of the silence between the turns (i) can be a resource for increased awareness of how communicative exchanges are shaped by self-arrangements and -presentations. The dissolution of the separation between present and previous statements (ii) can be a source for unfruitful quarrels.},
keywords = {academic, internet, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hansen, Ejvind
E-mailens tavshed Journal Article
In: Semikolon, vol. 17, pp. 67–76, 2009.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: academic, internet, silence
@article{Hansen2009e,
title = {E-mailens tavshed},
author = { Ejvind Hansen},
url = {http://uploads.ejvindh.net/Philosophy/012Emailens%20Tavshed.pdf},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
urldate = {2009-01-01},
journal = {Semikolon},
volume = {17},
pages = {67--76},
abstract = {I denne artikel overfører forfatteren Derridas analyser af skriftligheden til e-mailen. Forfatteren viser at e-mail teknologien på den ene side bærer på nogle strukturer, der potentielt kan gøre os mere bevidste om tavshedens betydning for kommunikationen (pga. følelsen af udsathed mellem de enkelt led); og at den på den anden side også kan tilhylle denne tavshedens betydning, ved at man kan bygge bro mellem de enkelte indlæg, ved at forholde sig rigidt til tidligere indlæg. Begge aspekter ved e-mailen kan bruges til at få større indsigt i fundamentale forhold ved kommunikative relationer.},
keywords = {academic, internet, silence},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}