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Acid Horizon

Biopolitics as a System of Thought with Serene Richards

Aug 11, 2024
Serene Richards, an insightful author exploring Smart Being within biopolitics and techno-capital, delves into essential issues surrounding governance and the essence of humanity. They discuss the paradox of preemption in security systems and critique predictive technologies, highlighting their role in societal biases. Richards also emphasizes the historical implications of biopolitics on marginalized groups, advocating for a reimagining of governance that prioritizes collective well-being. Ultimately, they encourage embracing uncertainty as a path to genuine freedom.
01:02:24

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Smart Being represents a global subjectivity shaped by techno-capitalism, emphasizing safety and certainty over risk and uncertainty.
  • The continuity of eugenic thought within governance highlights dangerous practices that prioritize efficiency at the expense of human dignity.

Deep dives

The Concept of Smart Being

Smart being is characterized as a form of subjectivity shaped by the techno-capitalist framework, where individuals gravitate towards certainty and safety while avoiding uncertainty and risk. This mode of existence is not confined to specific cultures or nations but can be seen globally, primarily among certain social classes. Smart beings embody an aspiration to achieve success, which is largely defined by market conditions and technological advancements. Ultimately, enjoyment for them is dictated or mediated by technological solutions and capitalist ideologies.

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