Petar Bojanić’s research explores the nature of violence in modern societies, focusing on the role of violence within a group, for sovereignty, and democracy. Drawing on the works of thinkers such as Hannah Arendt and Carl Schmitt, Bojanić examines how violence is institutionalized and justified by states, especially in the context of maintaining sovereignty and order. In Violence and Messianism, Bojanić explores the intersection of violence, politics, and messianic thought, particularly within Jewish philosophy and twentieth-century conflicts. He examines how messianic ideas, which often propose radical change or redemption, interact with the realities of political violence and war. Bojanić engages with thinkers such as Walter Benjamin, Franz Rosenzweig and Emmanuel Levinas, analyzing how messianic expectations can inspire resistance against oppressive systems, but also how they may lead to the justification of extreme violence. Bojanić takes on important but paradoxical questions, such as whether peace can be created through war, or whether revolution is able to eliminate violence through violence. From this point of view, he also raises the question of the sense in which it is possible to win and make peace today. Providing an important contribution to the discussion on terrorism and the relationship between religion and violence, his work reflects on the tension between the desire for utopian transformation and the violent means sometimes employed to achieve it, questioning whether such violence can ever be ethically reconciled with messianic hope.
Violence and Messianism. Jewish Philosophy and the Great Conflicts of the 20th Century, Routledge, London – New York, 2018, 128.
In this book, Bojanić investigates how messianic ideas have influenced certain philosophical responses to violence, exploring themes of redemption, justice, and resistance. Originally published in 2014 in Italy, this book has been translated into Italian (2014) French (2015), Russian (2017), English (2018), Spanish (2021), Hungarian (2022) and Portuguese (2024) reflecting its significance in discussions of ethics, theology, and conflict.
“The Police: Instituting Violence,” with Gazela Pudar Draško, Violence and Reflexivity. The Place of Critique in the Reality of Domination, eds. Marjan Ivković, Adriana Zaharijević, Gazela Pudar Draško, Lexington Books, Lanham – Boulder – New York – London, 2022, 157–170.
This article examines the role of police as a structuring force in society, analyzing institutional violence and its relationship to authority and societal order. Through this lens, Bojanić and Pudar Draško explore the relationship between authority, control, and violence, offering a critical perspective on how the institution of policing operates as a force of domination within social structures.
The Star for Beginners: Introductions to the Magnum Opus of Franz Rosenzweig, ed., with Martin Brasser & Francesco Paolo Ciglia, Ubiquity Press, London, 2021, 196.
This book serves as an introduction to Franz Rosenzweig’s seminal work The Star of Redemption. It offers readers accessible insights into Rosenzweig’s complex ideas, exploring themes of theology and philosophy. The authors aim to make Rosenzweig’s contributions more approachable for contemporary audiences.
“Institution and Life as an Institution. Uterus: Mother’s Body, Father’s Right,” Life After Literature Perspectives on Biopoetics in Literature and Theory, eds. Zoltán Kulcsár-Szabó et al., Springer, Berlin, 2019, 146–153.
This article examines the uterus as a biopolitical institution, exploring its symbolic and legal significance as it pertains to maternal and paternal rights. Bojanić analyzes how life itself can be framed within institutional and legal contexts, particularly regarding the maternal body and paternal claims over it. This work offers a unique perspective on the intersections of biology, rights, and societal norms, questioning the institutionalization of life and the complex interplay between body, rights, and authority.
“What Is the Critique of Violence Now?,” ed., with Peter Fenves & Michelle Ty, Critical Times, Vol. 2, n. 2, 2019, 132.
This thematic issue of Critical Times revisits Walter Benjamin’s essay “Critique of Violence” in the context of contemporary issues. It explores the relevance of Benjamin’s ideas to current discussions on violence, law, and justice, analyzing how his critique can inform modern debates on the legitimacy and nature of violence.
De la terreur à L’extrême violence, Paris – Belgrade, ed., with Guillaume Sibertin-Blanc, EuroPhilosophie – IFDT, Paris – Belgrade, 2014, 248.
This work examines the continuum between terror and extreme violence, integrating perspectives from philosophy and political theory, to unpack the dynamics of power and aggression in societal contexts.
Petar Bojanić’s work examines the ethics of conflict, enmity, and victory, particularly in Orthodox Christian contexts. He challenges conventional views of the “enemy” and “victory,” proposing that Orthodox ethics provide a moral framework where victory is not just an endpoint but a means to redefine relationships and establish conditions for peace. Through theological and cultural lenses, he explores how these ethics influence decisions on conflict, justice, and reconciliation.
“ʻUnjust Enemyʼ or ʻMonster Dilemmaʼ Revisited. On The Conditions and The Paradox of a Theological Fiction,” Philosophy and Society, Belgrade, Vol. 33, No. 4, 2022, 949–960.
This paper revisits the theological and philosophical constructs of the “unjust enemy” and the “monster dilemma.” It investigates the conditions under which these concepts arise and their implications for moral and legal frameworks. The analysis explores the paradoxes inherent in labeling adversaries as unjust or monstrous, questioning the ethical boundaries of such classifications.
Этика войны в странах православной культуры [The Ethics of War in the Countries of Orthodox Culture], “Vladimir Dal,” Saint Petersburg, 2022, 311.
This edited volume engages into the ethical considerations of war within Orthodox Christian cultures. It explores historical and contemporary perspectives on warfare, analyzing how Orthodox Christian ethics influence decisions related to conflict, peace, and justice. The work seeks to provide insights into the moral frameworks that guide Orthodox Christian societies in times of war.
“What Is ʻVictoryʼ in the Orthodox Christian Ethics of War?,” Labyrinth, Vienna, Vol. 23, No. 2, 2021, 137–152.
This study reconstructs the protocol of ‘victory’ as part of the interruption of enmity and establishment of temporary peace. Different understandings of the enemy and enmity imply that victory in war and cessation of conflict can essentially determine the way war is conducted, and that they follow rules of war. Victory is supposed to be a crucial moment that characterizes the ethics of war. Particular testimonies and thematizations of victory in the Orthodox Christian tradition can provide an introduction into a potential ethics of war that could ensure a new relationship towards the enemy and killing the enemy.
(2017) “Субъект ностальгии” [Subject of Nostalgia], with Sanja Bojanić, Политическая концептология, Moscow, Vol. 9, No. 1, 119–124.
The article explores the variable meanings of the concept of “nostalgia,” first thematized by the Swiss doctor Johannes Hofer in his doctoral thesis “Nostalgia, or Longing for the Homeland,” from 1688. The goal of this text is to show the “military paradox” related to this concept, since during a war, when people defend their homes by leaving them, the nostalgia preserved by the soldier, in a certain sense, suspends the war. However, the existence of one’s home and the desire to return (“I want to go home”), which cancels the war, also contributes to it, since the home is what is defended to the last.
Petar Bojanić’s work is focused on the complex nature of institutions, their ethical foundations, legitimacy, evolution, and the transformative role of counter-institutions. He investigates how institutions are established, maintained, and challenged, emphasizing that their legitimacy often relies on foundational documents and charters that lend authority and structure to their existence. Bojanić’s contributions offer a comprehensive view of institutions as both foundational and fluid structures – rooted in ethical principles, shaped by legitimizing texts, and responsive to collective action through engaged acts that hold both constructive and critical potential. For Bojanić, foundational texts are not merely formalities but deeply impactful instruments that shape institutional realism, influencing how institutions function and are perceived within society. He also explores how institutions operate within societal dynamics, setting the formation and transformation of institutions through acts of engagement. His work underscores the interplay between theoretical frameworks and practical actions, as institutions evolve and respond to changing societal needs. This adaptation is seen as a dynamic process where collective resistance and cooperation become essential components in institutional transformation and problem-solving.
A core theme in Bojanić’s philosophy is the concept of the counter-institution, invoking the definitions of the term given by Henri de Saint-Simon, Jacques Derrida and René Loureau. Departing from the ambiguous semantics of the word counter and the specific conceptual architecture it implies, Bojanić shows how counter-institutions actively deconstruct established institutional frameworks, transforming or subverting them to create space for new modes of governance or social order – ones that are more just, hospitable, democratic, critical and non-violent. As the contemporary paradigm of counter-institution, Bojanić proposes the institutional and documentational construction of Europe. This approach emphasizes an ethics of promise and responsibility, where counter-institutions embody justice-oriented principles that challenge the conventional norms and authority of established institutions.
“Derrida’s Counter-Institution and Its Ethics of Promise and Responsibility,” with Andrea Perunović, Angelaki, Vol. 29, No. 1-2, 2024, 169-180.
The authors explore Derrida’s concept of the counter-institution, framing it as an ethical structure rooted in promise and responsibility. They argue that Derrida’s counter-institution challenges traditional sovereign institutions, embodying justice through a “counter-ethics” that redefines fidelity and ethical commitment. This perspective presents counter-institutional ethics as a foundation for Derridean deconstruction.
“From Shelter (or Refuge) to the Counterinstitution,” Refusing to Be Silent, eds. Zona Zarić & Gazela Pudar Draško, Mimesis International, Milano – Udine, 2023, 215–221.
This conversation examines the shift from traditional institutions to counter-institutions, exploring how marginalized voices create alternative spaces for collective action and institutional critique. The authors highlight the empowering potential of these counter-institutions, framing them as essential tools for challenging dominant structures and fostering community-driven change.
In-Statuere. Figures of Institutional Building, Vittorio Klostermann, Frankfurt am Main, 2022, 392.
This book investigates the processes of institution formation and the dynamics of collective action. It explores how groups of individuals come together to address common problems, design solutions, and organize actions aimed at social change. The work emphasizes the necessity of joint resistance and the creation of counter-institutions as essential components in the development of new institutions.
Institutions in Action. The Nature and the Role of Institutions in the Real World, ed., with Tiziana Andina, Springer, Berlin, 2020, 157.
This volume examines the nature and function of institutions in society. It brings together various perspectives to analyze how institutions operate, evolve, and impact individual and collective behavior. The book seeks to bridge theoretical discussions with practical considerations, offering a comprehensive view of institutional dynamics.
“Charter and Institution,” Rivista di estetica, Torino, Vol. 57, No. 3, 2014, 165–171.
This work theorizes the charter as an institutional document, exploring its role in legitimizing social and political entities and examining the charter’s influence on institutional realism. By grounding institutions in these texts, Bojanić argues that charters influence both the internal structure and the external perception of institutions, serving as powerful tools that anchor institutional integrity and societal presence.
For Petar Bojanić, social engagement centers on the idea that collective, engaged acts are essential for the formation and transformation of institutions. In his concept of the engaged act, Bojanić emphasizes that social and philosophical communities are built through active participation and commitment to shared goals. Going beyond the concept of joint commitment, for Bojanić, engagement requires not only a deeper “obligation” (‘complete’ commitment) towards fellow members of the group, but it places a burden on others, those not yet part of the group, to join in the cause. Thus, those not yet present are constitutive for the introduction of new norms within the community. From this understanding of social engagement and the group, Bojanić further derives an understanding of the institution that is impossible unless it provides an experiment or universal solution to a general problem, one that affects everybody. There can be no institution without the organization of joint resistance, and a project of counter-institution. Social engagement for Bojanić links philosophical inquiry with real-world practices, underscoring the importance of direct action in shaping societal change.
“Empathy, the Other and Engaged Acts,” with Igor Cvejić, Bollettino Filosofico, Napoli, No. 37, 2022, 20–27.
The article explores how empathy facilitates meaningful interactions and is essential for “engaged acts” that connect individuals across differences. Authors discuss empathy’s role in ethical and social engagement, emphasizing its importance in fostering connections that transcend self-interest, thereby enabling individuals to act in ways that are inclusive and socially responsible.
“What Is an Act of Engagement? Between the Social, Collegial and Institutional Protocols,” Institutions in Action. The Nature and the Role of Institutions in the Real World, eds. Tiziana Andina & Petar Bojanić, Springer, Berlin, 2020, 113–128.
This article explores the nature of engagement within social, collegial, and institutional contexts. It analyzes the protocols that govern acts of engagement and how they influence individual and collective actions. The discussion aims to elucidate the complexities of engagement across different societal structures and the ethical considerations they entail.
“Foreword: Inclusion/Exclusion – On the Conditions of Common or Critical Engagement,” Rethinking Vulnerability and Exclusion Historical and Critical Essays, eds. Blanca Rodríguez Lopez, Nuria Sánchez Madrid & Adriana Zaharijević, London, Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2021, V–XII.
The foreword contextualizes the themes of inclusion and exclusion in modern societies, focusing on the philosophical and practical conditions for meaningful engagement and the role of social vulnerability. Chapter explores how these conditions shape common or critical engagement, focusing on the ways social vulnerabilities influence participation in collective action. Bojanić emphasizes the need for an ethical approach to inclusion, highlighting how addressing exclusion and vulnerability is fundamental to fostering meaningful and equitable social engagement.
“Engagement + (Joint) Commitment. On the Obligation to Act Together,” with Edward Djordjevic, Philosophy and Society, Belgrade, Vol. 27, No. 2, 2016, 449–452.
This article explores the concept of engagement as a form of joint commitment that entails an obligation to act collectively. The authors discuss how engagement extends beyond individual action, requiring participants to align their intentions and efforts to achieve shared goals. This work highlights the ethical and social dimensions of commitment, emphasizing that true engagement involves a mutual responsibility to act together in pursuit of common objectives.
Bojanić’s work is focused on social ontology, exploring foundational concepts like social objects, gestures, provocation, and discipline. He examines how social objects gain meaning through intentionality and documentation, impacting collective perception and interaction. Gestures, as explored in The Gesture, function as a non-verbal social language, influencing norms and cultural dynamics. Provocatio and discipline further reveal how actions and structured control uphold or challenge authority, justice, and institutional integrity. Together, these elements form a cohesive study of the ontological foundations underlying social structures, authority, and communal behavior.
Provocatio. Vocatif, Ius, Revolution, Belgrade, Službeni glasnik, 107;
The book explores the Ancient Roman institute of ius provocationis – the right to appeal a death sentence to the populace – as a foundational legal safeguard. Bojanić examines how this idea of “provocation” informs the history of justice, democracy, and rebellion, highlighting its role in protecting life and challenging authority. Originally published in 2008, it was translated into Italian (2021) and Russian (2022).
The Gesture, with Virgilio Cesarone, Mimesis International, Milano, 2023, 82.
This book is a philosophical exploration of gestures and their significance in social theory. The authors analyze how gestures function as non-verbal language, conveying complex ideas and emotions, and discuss their impact on cultural and societal norms. The work offers insights into the ways gestures shape human experience and understanding.
“The Vocabulary of Distance,” with Sanja Bojanić, In the Realm of Corona Normativities: A Momentary Snapshot of a Dynamic Discourse, ed. Werner Gephart, Vittorio Klostermann, Frankfurt am Main, 2020, 221–229.
The article poses the question whether there has been a transformation of thinking the concept of distance and whether the normalization and transformation into norm of its new form announces a paradigmatic shift. An important note is that this thematization of “distance” emerges from observation of sanitary processes, as well as political and institutional decisions made during the 2020 pandemic, including the enforcements and limits it caused. Inverse processes of “opening” or deconfining is a kind of reprofanization of the sacred sphere of untouchability. The authors delve on the “vocabulary” of distance by drawing on works of Michel Foucault and Georg Simmel.
“La ʽdisciplinaʼ como categoría y la ʽdisciplina institucionalʼ,” Isegoría, Madrid, No. 61, 2019, 543–558.
This paper examines “discipline” as a category and its manifestation within institutional contexts. It explores how disciplinary measures are implemented and maintained in institutions, and the implications for individual behavior and institutional integrity. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of discipline’s role in shaping institutional structures and practices.
“Social Objects. From Intentionality to Documentality,” ed., with Elena Casseta & Giuliano Torrengo, Rivista di Estetica, Torino, Vol. 57, No. 3, 2014, 256.
This volume addresses the nature of social objects through philosophical essays, exploring concepts of intentionality, documentality, and the ways these influence perceptions and social interactions.
Petar Bojanić’s work on architecture and philosophy integrates the conceptual foundation of space and institutional formation, emphasizing how architectural projects are deeply philosophical acts. His research connects architecture with broader questions of power, justice, and human agency, viewing the act of designing a building as a projective act with ethical and political implications.
He investigates how architectural concepts reflect philosophical thought, how newness (new, novelty) emerges from the encounter of architecture and philosophy, particularly in relation to institutions. Bojanić’s work in journal Khōrein (he is also the editor-in-chief of Khōrein: Journal for Architecture and Philosophy) brings together interdisciplinary dialogues, showing how architecture serves as both a material and symbolic manifestation of philosophical principles, especially in the context of institutional frameworks.
“Positio(n),” with Snežana Vesnić, Khōrein: Journal for Architecture and Philosophy, Belgrade, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2023, 1–6.
This article explores the concept of “position” in architectural and philosophical contexts. It examines how spatial positioning influences perception and meaning, analyzing the interplay between physical placement and conceptual understanding. The study aims to bridge architectural practice with philosophical inquiry, offering insights into the significance of positioning in shaping human experience.
Peter Eisenman. In Dialogue with Architects and Philosophers, ed., with Vladan Djokić, Mimesis International, Milan, 262.
This book presents a series of dialogues with architect Peter Eisenman, exploring the intersections between architecture and philosophy. It delves into Eisenman’s theoretical approaches, design philosophies, and the broader implications of his work. The conversations aim to provide deeper insights into the intellectual foundations of contemporary architecture.
“Genetika teksta kao genetika trećeg roda. Χωρα (triton genos) u tekstovima Jacquesa Derride” [Genesis of Text as Genesis of the Third Sex. Χωρα (triton genos) in Jacques Derrida], with Sanja Bojanić, Theoria, Belgrade, Vol. 58, No. 3–4, 2005, 61–69.
This article addresses the development of the term χώρα, as used by Plato in the Timaeus, to distinguish between the world of the paradigm and the world of copies. It then presents interpretations that emerged after Aristotle’s intervention, where he translated χώρα as “matter,” reflecting the centuries-old conflict between form and matter. The solutions that Jacques Derrida initially developed in his 1985-1986 seminar and later in numerous publications offer an interpretation of the term χώρα in the context of deconstruction.
Petar Bojanić’s exploration of the concept of project spans its temporal, epistemological, and philosophical dimensions, particularly within architectural and theoretical contexts. His work investigates how projects, from conception to realization, are shaped by time, historical context, and future projections, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of these endeavors. He delves into projection as both a creative and conceptual act, questioning how plans and ideas are translated into forms that carry broader philosophical implications. By examining the project as an interplay between thought and material reality, Bojanić redefines it as more than a design process – positioning it as a temporal and intellectual construct that influences and is influenced by society. Through this lens, he offers a nuanced perspective on the role of projects in shaping human experience and understanding.
The Project and Projective Mind (forthcoming).
The book is a project about the theory of the project, and the discovery of future time, as well as the constitution of a group (a community) in time, present and future. How is it possible to project (or design) a group or community? What are the unconditional conditions for a project to exist, to come about, but also to be resolved and dissolved, through new forms of joint action? Formulating theories of ‘we’ and various forms of ‘togetherness’ for the future, a repertoire of common time, and joint future time, concerns the capacity of a group to think its existence in time to come. This book contrasts a conceptual understanding of reality with the projective mind or spirit: the birth or manifestation of the concept of a project is preceded by a complex transformation of individual conceptions into a collective project. As opposed to the concept that is always individual, a project is always collective.
“On the Temporality of the Project,” Innovation in Practice in Theory, eds. Caterina Barioglio et al., ORO Editions, Novato, CA, 2022, 2–13.
This essay examines the temporal dimensions of projects, particularly in architectural and philosophical domains. It discusses how the conception, development, and realization of projects are influenced by temporal factors, including historical context and future projections. The work seeks to understand how time shapes the lifecycle of projects and their impact on society.
Projekt i projektne radnje. Prilozi arhitektonsko-filozofskom rečniku [Project and Projective Actions. Contributions to the Architectural-Philosophical Dictionary], IFDT – Akademska knjiga, Belgrade – Novi Sad, 2020, 241.
The book is a comprehensive exploration of the concept of “project” within architectural and philosophical contexts. The book delves into the epistemological status of “project(ion),” examining the act or strategy of projection in relation to various didactic protocols typically associated with an author and their intention or production. It questions the nature of plans, programs, plots, and concepts, and whether projection is inherently an architectural matter. The study seeks to understand the role of projection in the creation and interpretation of architectural and philosophical works.
“The Acts of Project(ion) / Project Acts or Projacts”, Rivista di Estetica, Torino, Vol. 71, No. 2, 2019, 92–100.
This article investigates the epistemological status of “project(ion),” focusing on the act or strategy of projection in relation to various didactic protocols typically associated with an author and their intention or production. It questions the nature of plans, programs, plots, and concepts, and whether projection is inherently an architectural matter. The study seeks to understand the role of projection in the creation and interpretation of architectural and philosophical works.
works
Petar Bojanić’s research explores the nature of violence in modern societies, focusing on the role of violence within a group, for sovereignty, and democracy. Drawing on the works of thinkers such as Hannah Arendt and Carl Schmitt, Bojanić examines how violence is institutionalized and justified by states, especially in the context of maintaining sovereignty and order. In Violence and Messianism, Bojanić explores the intersection of violence, politics, and messianic thought, particularly within Jewish philosophy and twentieth-century conflicts. He examines how messianic ideas, which often propose radical change or redemption, interact with the realities of political violence and war. Bojanić engages with thinkers such as Walter Benjamin, Franz Rosenzweig and Emmanuel Levinas, analyzing how messianic expectations can inspire resistance against oppressive systems, but also how they may lead to the justification of extreme violence. Bojanić takes on important but paradoxical questions, such as whether peace can be created through war, or whether revolution is able to eliminate violence through violence. From this point of view, he also raises the question of the sense in which it is possible to win and make peace today. Providing an important contribution to the discussion on terrorism and the relationship between religion and violence, his work reflects on the tension between the desire for utopian transformation and the violent means sometimes employed to achieve it, questioning whether such violence can ever be ethically reconciled with messianic hope.
Violence and Messianism. Jewish Philosophy and the Great Conflicts of the 20th Century, Routledge, London – New York, 2018, 128.
In this book, Bojanić investigates how messianic ideas have influenced certain philosophical responses to violence, exploring themes of redemption, justice, and resistance. Originally published in 2014 in Italy, this book has been translated into Italian (2014) French (2015), Russian (2017), English (2018), Spanish (2021), Hungarian (2022) and Portuguese (2024) reflecting its significance in discussions of ethics, theology, and conflict.
“The Police: Instituting Violence,” with Gazela Pudar Draško, Violence and Reflexivity. The Place of Critique in the Reality of Domination, eds. Marjan Ivković, Adriana Zaharijević, Gazela Pudar Draško, Lexington Books, Lanham – Boulder – New York – London, 2022, 157–170.
This article examines the role of police as a structuring force in society, analyzing institutional violence and its relationship to authority and societal order. Through this lens, Bojanić and Pudar Draško explore the relationship between authority, control, and violence, offering a critical perspective on how the institution of policing operates as a force of domination within social structures.
The Star for Beginners: Introductions to the Magnum Opus of Franz Rosenzweig, ed., with Martin Brasser & Francesco Paolo Ciglia, Ubiquity Press, London, 2021, 196.
This book serves as an introduction to Franz Rosenzweig’s seminal work The Star of Redemption. It offers readers accessible insights into Rosenzweig’s complex ideas, exploring themes of theology and philosophy. The authors aim to make Rosenzweig’s contributions more approachable for contemporary audiences.
“Institution and Life as an Institution. Uterus: Mother’s Body, Father’s Right,” Life After Literature Perspectives on Biopoetics in Literature and Theory, eds. Zoltán Kulcsár-Szabó et al., Springer, Berlin, 2019, 146–153.
This article examines the uterus as a biopolitical institution, exploring its symbolic and legal significance as it pertains to maternal and paternal rights. Bojanić analyzes how life itself can be framed within institutional and legal contexts, particularly regarding the maternal body and paternal claims over it. This work offers a unique perspective on the intersections of biology, rights, and societal norms, questioning the institutionalization of life and the complex interplay between body, rights, and authority.
“What Is the Critique of Violence Now?,” ed., with Peter Fenves & Michelle Ty, Critical Times, Vol. 2, n. 2, 2019, 132.
This thematic issue of Critical Times revisits Walter Benjamin’s essay “Critique of Violence” in the context of contemporary issues. It explores the relevance of Benjamin’s ideas to current discussions on violence, law, and justice, analyzing how his critique can inform modern debates on the legitimacy and nature of violence.
De la terreur à L’extrême violence, Paris – Belgrade, ed., with Guillaume Sibertin-Blanc, EuroPhilosophie – IFDT, Paris – Belgrade, 2014, 248.
This work examines the continuum between terror and extreme violence, integrating perspectives from philosophy and political theory, to unpack the dynamics of power and aggression in societal contexts.
Petar Bojanić’s work examines the ethics of conflict, enmity, and victory, particularly in Orthodox Christian contexts. He challenges conventional views of the “enemy” and “victory,” proposing that Orthodox ethics provide a moral framework where victory is not just an endpoint but a means to redefine relationships and establish conditions for peace. Through theological and cultural lenses, he explores how these ethics influence decisions on conflict, justice, and reconciliation.
“ʻUnjust Enemyʼ or ʻMonster Dilemmaʼ Revisited. On The Conditions and The Paradox of a Theological Fiction,” Philosophy and Society, Belgrade, Vol. 33, No. 4, 2022, 949–960.
This paper revisits the theological and philosophical constructs of the “unjust enemy” and the “monster dilemma.” It investigates the conditions under which these concepts arise and their implications for moral and legal frameworks. The analysis explores the paradoxes inherent in labeling adversaries as unjust or monstrous, questioning the ethical boundaries of such classifications.
Этика войны в странах православной культуры [The Ethics of War in the Countries of Orthodox Culture], “Vladimir Dal,” Saint Petersburg, 2022, 311.
This edited volume engages into the ethical considerations of war within Orthodox Christian cultures. It explores historical and contemporary perspectives on warfare, analyzing how Orthodox Christian ethics influence decisions related to conflict, peace, and justice. The work seeks to provide insights into the moral frameworks that guide Orthodox Christian societies in times of war.
“What Is ʻVictoryʼ in the Orthodox Christian Ethics of War?,” Labyrinth, Vienna, Vol. 23, No. 2, 2021, 137–152.
This study reconstructs the protocol of ‘victory’ as part of the interruption of enmity and establishment of temporary peace. Different understandings of the enemy and enmity imply that victory in war and cessation of conflict can essentially determine the way war is conducted, and that they follow rules of war. Victory is supposed to be a crucial moment that characterizes the ethics of war. Particular testimonies and thematizations of victory in the Orthodox Christian tradition can provide an introduction into a potential ethics of war that could ensure a new relationship towards the enemy and killing the enemy.
(2017) “Субъект ностальгии” [Subject of Nostalgia], with Sanja Bojanić, Политическая концептология, Moscow, Vol. 9, No. 1, 119–124.
The article explores the variable meanings of the concept of “nostalgia,” first thematized by the Swiss doctor Johannes Hofer in his doctoral thesis “Nostalgia, or Longing for the Homeland,” from 1688. The goal of this text is to show the “military paradox” related to this concept, since during a war, when people defend their homes by leaving them, the nostalgia preserved by the soldier, in a certain sense, suspends the war. However, the existence of one’s home and the desire to return (“I want to go home”), which cancels the war, also contributes to it, since the home is what is defended to the last.
Petar Bojanić’s work is focused on the complex nature of institutions, their ethical foundations, legitimacy, evolution, and the transformative role of counter-institutions. He investigates how institutions are established, maintained, and challenged, emphasizing that their legitimacy often relies on foundational documents and charters that lend authority and structure to their existence. Bojanić’s contributions offer a comprehensive view of institutions as both foundational and fluid structures – rooted in ethical principles, shaped by legitimizing texts, and responsive to collective action through engaged acts that hold both constructive and critical potential. For Bojanić, foundational texts are not merely formalities but deeply impactful instruments that shape institutional realism, influencing how institutions function and are perceived within society. He also explores how institutions operate within societal dynamics, setting the formation and transformation of institutions through acts of engagement. His work underscores the interplay between theoretical frameworks and practical actions, as institutions evolve and respond to changing societal needs. This adaptation is seen as a dynamic process where collective resistance and cooperation become essential components in institutional transformation and problem-solving.
A core theme in Bojanić’s philosophy is the concept of the counter-institution, invoking the definitions of the term given by Henri de Saint-Simon, Jacques Derrida and René Loureau. Departing from the ambiguous semantics of the word counter and the specific conceptual architecture it implies, Bojanić shows how counter-institutions actively deconstruct established institutional frameworks, transforming or subverting them to create space for new modes of governance or social order – ones that are more just, hospitable, democratic, critical and non-violent. As the contemporary paradigm of counter-institution, Bojanić proposes the institutional and documentational construction of Europe. This approach emphasizes an ethics of promise and responsibility, where counter-institutions embody justice-oriented principles that challenge the conventional norms and authority of established institutions.
“Derrida’s Counter-Institution and Its Ethics of Promise and Responsibility,” with Andrea Perunović, Angelaki, Vol. 29, No. 1-2, 2024, 169-180.
The authors explore Derrida’s concept of the counter-institution, framing it as an ethical structure rooted in promise and responsibility. They argue that Derrida’s counter-institution challenges traditional sovereign institutions, embodying justice through a “counter-ethics” that redefines fidelity and ethical commitment. This perspective presents counter-institutional ethics as a foundation for Derridean deconstruction.
“From Shelter (or Refuge) to the Counterinstitution,” Refusing to Be Silent, eds. Zona Zarić & Gazela Pudar Draško, Mimesis International, Milano – Udine, 2023, 215–221.
This conversation examines the shift from traditional institutions to counter-institutions, exploring how marginalized voices create alternative spaces for collective action and institutional critique. The authors highlight the empowering potential of these counter-institutions, framing them as essential tools for challenging dominant structures and fostering community-driven change.
In-Statuere. Figures of Institutional Building, Vittorio Klostermann, Frankfurt am Main, 2022, 392.
This book investigates the processes of institution formation and the dynamics of collective action. It explores how groups of individuals come together to address common problems, design solutions, and organize actions aimed at social change. The work emphasizes the necessity of joint resistance and the creation of counter-institutions as essential components in the development of new institutions.
Institutions in Action. The Nature and the Role of Institutions in the Real World, ed., with Tiziana Andina, Springer, Berlin, 2020, 157.
This volume examines the nature and function of institutions in society. It brings together various perspectives to analyze how institutions operate, evolve, and impact individual and collective behavior. The book seeks to bridge theoretical discussions with practical considerations, offering a comprehensive view of institutional dynamics.
“Charter and Institution,” Rivista di estetica, Torino, Vol. 57, No. 3, 2014, 165–171.
This work theorizes the charter as an institutional document, exploring its role in legitimizing social and political entities and examining the charter’s influence on institutional realism. By grounding institutions in these texts, Bojanić argues that charters influence both the internal structure and the external perception of institutions, serving as powerful tools that anchor institutional integrity and societal presence.
For Petar Bojanić, social engagement centers on the idea that collective, engaged acts are essential for the formation and transformation of institutions. In his concept of the engaged act, Bojanić emphasizes that social and philosophical communities are built through active participation and commitment to shared goals. Going beyond the concept of joint commitment, for Bojanić, engagement requires not only a deeper “obligation” (‘complete’ commitment) towards fellow members of the group, but it places a burden on others, those not yet part of the group, to join in the cause. Thus, those not yet present are constitutive for the introduction of new norms within the community. From this understanding of social engagement and the group, Bojanić further derives an understanding of the institution that is impossible unless it provides an experiment or universal solution to a general problem, one that affects everybody. There can be no institution without the organization of joint resistance, and a project of counter-institution. Social engagement for Bojanić links philosophical inquiry with real-world practices, underscoring the importance of direct action in shaping societal change.
“Empathy, the Other and Engaged Acts,” with Igor Cvejić, Bollettino Filosofico, Napoli, No. 37, 2022, 20–27.
The article explores how empathy facilitates meaningful interactions and is essential for “engaged acts” that connect individuals across differences. Authors discuss empathy’s role in ethical and social engagement, emphasizing its importance in fostering connections that transcend self-interest, thereby enabling individuals to act in ways that are inclusive and socially responsible.
“What Is an Act of Engagement? Between the Social, Collegial and Institutional Protocols,” Institutions in Action. The Nature and the Role of Institutions in the Real World, eds. Tiziana Andina & Petar Bojanić, Springer, Berlin, 2020, 113–128.
This article explores the nature of engagement within social, collegial, and institutional contexts. It analyzes the protocols that govern acts of engagement and how they influence individual and collective actions. The discussion aims to elucidate the complexities of engagement across different societal structures and the ethical considerations they entail.
“Foreword: Inclusion/Exclusion – On the Conditions of Common or Critical Engagement,” Rethinking Vulnerability and Exclusion Historical and Critical Essays, eds. Blanca Rodríguez Lopez, Nuria Sánchez Madrid & Adriana Zaharijević, London, Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2021, V–XII.
The foreword contextualizes the themes of inclusion and exclusion in modern societies, focusing on the philosophical and practical conditions for meaningful engagement and the role of social vulnerability. Chapter explores how these conditions shape common or critical engagement, focusing on the ways social vulnerabilities influence participation in collective action. Bojanić emphasizes the need for an ethical approach to inclusion, highlighting how addressing exclusion and vulnerability is fundamental to fostering meaningful and equitable social engagement.
“Engagement + (Joint) Commitment. On the Obligation to Act Together,” with Edward Djordjevic, Philosophy and Society, Belgrade, Vol. 27, No. 2, 2016, 449–452.
This article explores the concept of engagement as a form of joint commitment that entails an obligation to act collectively. The authors discuss how engagement extends beyond individual action, requiring participants to align their intentions and efforts to achieve shared goals. This work highlights the ethical and social dimensions of commitment, emphasizing that true engagement involves a mutual responsibility to act together in pursuit of common objectives.
Bojanić’s work is focused on social ontology, exploring foundational concepts like social objects, gestures, provocation, and discipline. He examines how social objects gain meaning through intentionality and documentation, impacting collective perception and interaction. Gestures, as explored in The Gesture, function as a non-verbal social language, influencing norms and cultural dynamics. Provocatio and discipline further reveal how actions and structured control uphold or challenge authority, justice, and institutional integrity. Together, these elements form a cohesive study of the ontological foundations underlying social structures, authority, and communal behavior.
Provocatio. Vocatif, Ius, Revolution, Belgrade, Službeni glasnik, 107;
The book explores the Ancient Roman institute of ius provocationis – the right to appeal a death sentence to the populace – as a foundational legal safeguard. Bojanić examines how this idea of “provocation” informs the history of justice, democracy, and rebellion, highlighting its role in protecting life and challenging authority. Originally published in 2008, it was translated into Italian (2021) and Russian (2022).
The Gesture, with Virgilio Cesarone, Mimesis International, Milano, 2023, 82.
This book is a philosophical exploration of gestures and their significance in social theory. The authors analyze how gestures function as non-verbal language, conveying complex ideas and emotions, and discuss their impact on cultural and societal norms. The work offers insights into the ways gestures shape human experience and understanding.
“The Vocabulary of Distance,” with Sanja Bojanić, In the Realm of Corona Normativities: A Momentary Snapshot of a Dynamic Discourse, ed. Werner Gephart, Vittorio Klostermann, Frankfurt am Main, 2020, 221–229.
The article poses the question whether there has been a transformation of thinking the concept of distance and whether the normalization and transformation into norm of its new form announces a paradigmatic shift. An important note is that this thematization of “distance” emerges from observation of sanitary processes, as well as political and institutional decisions made during the 2020 pandemic, including the enforcements and limits it caused. Inverse processes of “opening” or deconfining is a kind of reprofanization of the sacred sphere of untouchability. The authors delve on the “vocabulary” of distance by drawing on works of Michel Foucault and Georg Simmel.
“La ʽdisciplinaʼ como categoría y la ʽdisciplina institucionalʼ,” Isegoría, Madrid, No. 61, 2019, 543–558.
This paper examines “discipline” as a category and its manifestation within institutional contexts. It explores how disciplinary measures are implemented and maintained in institutions, and the implications for individual behavior and institutional integrity. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of discipline’s role in shaping institutional structures and practices.
“Social Objects. From Intentionality to Documentality,” ed., with Elena Casseta & Giuliano Torrengo, Rivista di Estetica, Torino, Vol. 57, No. 3, 2014, 256.
This volume addresses the nature of social objects through philosophical essays, exploring concepts of intentionality, documentality, and the ways these influence perceptions and social interactions.
Petar Bojanić’s work on architecture and philosophy integrates the conceptual foundation of space and institutional formation, emphasizing how architectural projects are deeply philosophical acts. His research connects architecture with broader questions of power, justice, and human agency, viewing the act of designing a building as a projective act with ethical and political implications.
He investigates how architectural concepts reflect philosophical thought, how newness (new, novelty) emerges from the encounter of architecture and philosophy, particularly in relation to institutions. Bojanić’s work in journal Khōrein (he is also the editor-in-chief of Khōrein: Journal for Architecture and Philosophy) brings together interdisciplinary dialogues, showing how architecture serves as both a material and symbolic manifestation of philosophical principles, especially in the context of institutional frameworks.
“Positio(n),” with Snežana Vesnić, Khōrein: Journal for Architecture and Philosophy, Belgrade, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2023, 1–6.
This article explores the concept of “position” in architectural and philosophical contexts. It examines how spatial positioning influences perception and meaning, analyzing the interplay between physical placement and conceptual understanding. The study aims to bridge architectural practice with philosophical inquiry, offering insights into the significance of positioning in shaping human experience.
Peter Eisenman. In Dialogue with Architects and Philosophers, ed., with Vladan Djokić, Mimesis International, Milan, 262.
This book presents a series of dialogues with architect Peter Eisenman, exploring the intersections between architecture and philosophy. It delves into Eisenman’s theoretical approaches, design philosophies, and the broader implications of his work. The conversations aim to provide deeper insights into the intellectual foundations of contemporary architecture.
“Genetika teksta kao genetika trećeg roda. Χωρα (triton genos) u tekstovima Jacquesa Derride” [Genesis of Text as Genesis of the Third Sex. Χωρα (triton genos) in Jacques Derrida], with Sanja Bojanić, Theoria, Belgrade, Vol. 58, No. 3–4, 2005, 61–69.
This article addresses the development of the term χώρα, as used by Plato in the Timaeus, to distinguish between the world of the paradigm and the world of copies. It then presents interpretations that emerged after Aristotle’s intervention, where he translated χώρα as “matter,” reflecting the centuries-old conflict between form and matter. The solutions that Jacques Derrida initially developed in his 1985-1986 seminar and later in numerous publications offer an interpretation of the term χώρα in the context of deconstruction.
Petar Bojanić’s exploration of the concept of project spans its temporal, epistemological, and philosophical dimensions, particularly within architectural and theoretical contexts. His work investigates how projects, from conception to realization, are shaped by time, historical context, and future projections, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of these endeavors. He delves into projection as both a creative and conceptual act, questioning how plans and ideas are translated into forms that carry broader philosophical implications. By examining the project as an interplay between thought and material reality, Bojanić redefines it as more than a design process – positioning it as a temporal and intellectual construct that influences and is influenced by society. Through this lens, he offers a nuanced perspective on the role of projects in shaping human experience and understanding.
The Project and Projective Mind (forthcoming).
The book is a project about the theory of the project, and the discovery of future time, as well as the constitution of a group (a community) in time, present and future. How is it possible to project (or design) a group or community? What are the unconditional conditions for a project to exist, to come about, but also to be resolved and dissolved, through new forms of joint action? Formulating theories of ‘we’ and various forms of ‘togetherness’ for the future, a repertoire of common time, and joint future time, concerns the capacity of a group to think its existence in time to come. This book contrasts a conceptual understanding of reality with the projective mind or spirit: the birth or manifestation of the concept of a project is preceded by a complex transformation of individual conceptions into a collective project. As opposed to the concept that is always individual, a project is always collective.
“On the Temporality of the Project,” Innovation in Practice in Theory, eds. Caterina Barioglio et al., ORO Editions, Novato, CA, 2022, 2–13.
This essay examines the temporal dimensions of projects, particularly in architectural and philosophical domains. It discusses how the conception, development, and realization of projects are influenced by temporal factors, including historical context and future projections. The work seeks to understand how time shapes the lifecycle of projects and their impact on society.
Projekt i projektne radnje. Prilozi arhitektonsko-filozofskom rečniku [Project and Projective Actions. Contributions to the Architectural-Philosophical Dictionary], IFDT – Akademska knjiga, Belgrade – Novi Sad, 2020, 241.
The book is a comprehensive exploration of the concept of “project” within architectural and philosophical contexts. The book delves into the epistemological status of “project(ion),” examining the act or strategy of projection in relation to various didactic protocols typically associated with an author and their intention or production. It questions the nature of plans, programs, plots, and concepts, and whether projection is inherently an architectural matter. The study seeks to understand the role of projection in the creation and interpretation of architectural and philosophical works.
“The Acts of Project(ion) / Project Acts or Projacts”, Rivista di Estetica, Torino, Vol. 71, No. 2, 2019, 92–100.
This article investigates the epistemological status of “project(ion),” focusing on the act or strategy of projection in relation to various didactic protocols typically associated with an author and their intention or production. It questions the nature of plans, programs, plots, and concepts, and whether projection is inherently an architectural matter. The study seeks to understand the role of projection in the creation and interpretation of architectural and philosophical works.