The Death Penalty, Volume II

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The second volume of Jacques Derrida's exploration of the death penalty delves into Kant's justification of capital punishment, deconstructing his arguments and revealing significant contradictions. Derrida critiques the "anesthesial logic" surrounding the death penalty, intertwining themes of cruelty and pain through various philosophical texts. He argues that the rationality behind the death penalty reflects an illusory control over mortality. Set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in U.S. history regarding capital punishment, this analysis aims to contribute meaningfully to ongoing debates.