The Watchman in Pieces

Surveillance, Literature, and Liberal Personhood

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Theory, Books & Reading, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book The Watchman in Pieces by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso ISBN: 9780300156645
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: June 18, 2013
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
ISBN: 9780300156645
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: June 18, 2013
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English

Spanning nearly 500 years of cultural and social history, this book examines the ways that literature and surveillance have developed together, as kindred modern practices. As ideas about personhood—what constitutes a self—have changed over time, so too have ideas about how to represent, shape, or invade the self. The authors show that, since the Renaissance, changes in observation strategies have driven innovations in literature; literature, in turn, has provided a laboratory and forum for the way we think about surveillance and privacy. Ultimately, they contend that the habits of mind cultivated by literature make rational and self-aware participation in contemporary surveillance environments possible. In a society increasingly dominated by interlocking surveillance systems, these habits of mind are consequently necessary for fully realized liberal citizenship.

Spanning nearly 500 years of cultural and social history, this book examines the ways that literature and surveillance have developed together, as kindred modern practices. As ideas about personhood—what constitutes a self—have changed over time, so too have ideas about how to represent, shape, or invade the self. The authors show that, since the Renaissance, changes in observation strategies have driven innovations in literature; literature, in turn, has provided a laboratory and forum for the way we think about surveillance and privacy. Ultimately, they contend that the habits of mind cultivated by literature make rational and self-aware participation in contemporary surveillance environments possible. In a society increasingly dominated by interlocking surveillance systems, these habits of mind are consequently necessary for fully realized liberal citizenship.

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book Little History of Archaeology by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book Mexico: Democracy Interrupted by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book The Bride and the Dowry: Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinians in the Aftermath of the June 1967 War by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book A Question of Command: Counterinsurgency from the Civil War to Iraq by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book Southern Africa: Old Treacheries and New Deceits by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book Scorched Earth by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book William Beckford by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book Deceiving the Deceivers by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book American Caesars by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book The Statue of Liberty: A Transatlantic Story by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book Virtual Justice: The New Laws of Online Worlds by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book The Spirit of Buddhist Meditation by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book The Bigot by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
Cover of the book Power, Plain English, and the Rise of Modern Poetry by Prof. David Rosen, Prof. Aaron Santesso
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy