The Sacrament of Language

Exploring the oath's pivotal role in political and religious history, this book delves into its strategic significance at the crossroads of law, religion, and politics. Agamben conducts an archaeological analysis of Greek and Roman texts, revealing the oath as a foundational event in human development. He argues that the oath serves as both a 'sacrament of power' and a 'sacrament of language,' highlighting how humanity's ability to speak intertwines with the commitments made through oaths, shaping individual and collective identity.