Parallax cover image

Parallax

The Parallax View #133: Giorgio Agamben

Jun 29, 2024
Tom Amarque and Andrew Sweeny dive into the intriguing philosophy of Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben, exploring his views on biopolitics, democracy, media control, and the history of concentration camps. They discuss Ivan Illich's criticism of institutionalized care, reflect on personal experiences with Agamben's work, and navigate the complexities of political perspectives and ideological diversity.
52:32

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Agamben delves into biopolitics, revealing the state's encroachment on personal lives for citizen well-being.
  • Agamben critiques institutionalized care, exposing how compassion can be manipulated for control by governments.

Deep dives

Understanding Agamben's View on Democracy and Biopolitics

Agamben delves into the underbelly of democracy by exploring biopolitics, where the state encroaches on personal lives for the well-being of its people. This concept shifts from pre-democratic times where the state wasn't concerned about citizens' well-being. The civil war between the state and family, known as stasis, is a perpetual conflict within democracy. Agamben highlights the importance of understanding this dynamic for navigating contemporary social and political challenges.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner