Penser la barbarie européenne

Abstract

This contribution aims to reflect on the concept of barbarism by identifying it as an integral part of European civilisation, as its product. The analysis of selected historical examples (ranging from the classical age to contemporary times) and of ideologies of both political and religious matrixes (Totalitarianism, Christianity), will lead to locating the home of European barbarism at the intersection of two elements (we could also say drives) characteristic of European man: 'conquest' and 'domination'. Reflection, conducted on these parameters, will be indispensable to the objective of recognising humanism, universalism, and global consciousness as antidotes to barbarism and, therefore, as promoters and guarantors of a regenerated democracy.