The text describes the use of the notion of social representation as a possibility to understand the phenomenon of contemporary violence, therefore interrogating about meanings, values, and beliefs that structure and preside over social life, which are the content of social representations par excellence. It discusses the possibility to resume the debate on the once recurrent issue of beliefs and values as included in the range of devices available for the sociological explanation. Finally, it seeks to reflect upon the subjectiveness/objectiveness relationship within the theoretical context for production of valid knowledge.
beliefs; social representations; violence