Václav Havel, Jan Patočka: The Powerless and the Shaken

What is it about?

The article looks at the influence of Jan Patocka's writing on dissent on Vaclav Havel's own theory of proper dissent. Patocka's notion of the shaken is the driving idea behind Havel's concept of the power of the powerless. Yet this article demonstrates the uniqueness and individuality of Havel's move past his mentor.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Havel is not usually treated as a political thinker of great merit. This paper considers Havel's writing as a coherent work of philosophy capable of comparison to other important philosophers.