On Revolt, Rebellion and Revolution: Navigating the Challenges of Human Conflict

The traditions of Marxism, Anarchism, Existentialism, and Critical Theory all make use of the concepts of revolt, rebellion, and revolution. Despite this, these concepts are not always recognized as important philosophical concepts. In our contemporary world, we witness a growing polarization within society and an increase in intolerance, accompanied by the demonization of “the other.” This situation is exacerbated by the widespread dissemination of misinformation and conspiracy theories, which fuel feelings of anger and alienation. As a result, rebellion emerges as an increasingly popular method for individuals to express their frustrations, often at the expense of their communities. This anthology addresses this pressing issue by examining the meaning of the concepts of revolt, rebellion, and revolution from various philosophical perspectives, drawing on a wide range of thinkers. It seeks to tackle several critical questions, such as: What is the role of rebellion in resolving human conflict? What distinguishes legitimate from illegitimate forms of revolt? What significance does revolt play in history and in the lives of individuals? And does the concept of revolution retain its relevance today, or should it be consigned to the history of ideas?