1st Edition

The Philosophy of Agamben

By Catherine Mills Copyright 2008
    192 Pages
    by Routledge

    192 Pages
    by Routledge

    Giorgio Agamben has gained widespread popularity in recent years for his rethinking of radical politics and his approach to metaphysics and language. However, the extraordinary breadth of historical, legal and philosophical sources which contribute to the complexity and depth of Agamben's thinking can also make his work intimidating. Covering the full range of Agamben's work, this critical introduction outlines Agamben's key concerns: metaphysics, language and potentiality, aesthetics and poetics, sovereignty, law and biopolitics, ethics and testimony, and his powerful vision of post-historical humanity. Highlighting the novelty of Agamben's approach while also situating it in relation to the work of other continental thinkers, "The Philosophy of Agamben" presents a clear and engaging introduction to the work of this original and influential thinker.

    Introduction 1. Metaphysics: negativity, potentiality and death 2. Aesthetics: Language, representation and the object 3. Politics: biopolitics, sovereignty and nihilism 4. Ethics: testimony, responsibility and the witness 5. Messianism: time, happiness and completed humanity Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

    Biography

    Catherine Mills