About the book
Challenging the prevalent account of Agamben as a pessimistic thinker, Catastrophe and Redemption proposes a reading of his political thought in which the redemptive element of his work is not a curious aside but instead is fundamental to his project. Jessica Whyte considers his critical account of contemporary politics—his argument that Western politics has been \"biopolitics\" since its inception, his critique of human rights, his argument that the state of exception is now the norm, and the paradigmatic significance he attributes to the concentration camp—and shows that it is in the midst of these catastrophes of the present that Agamben sees the possibility of a form of profane redemption. Whyte outlines the importance of potentiality in his attempt to formulate a new politics, examines his relation to Jewish and Christian strands of messianism, and interrogates the new forms of praxis that he situates within contemporary commodity culture, taking Agamben's thought as a call for the creation of new political forms.
Editions of Catastrophe and Redemption
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438448534
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438448527
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438448541
Read an Excerpt
Challenging the prevalent account of Agamben as a pessimistic thinker, Catastrophe and Redemption proposes a reading of his political thought in which the redemptive element of his work is not a curious aside but instead is fundamental to his project. Jessica Whyte considers his critical account of contemporary politics—his argument that Western politics has been \"biopolitics\" since its inception, his critique of human rights, his argument that the state of exception is now the norm, and the paradigmatic significance he attributes to the concentration camp—and shows that it is in the midst of these catastrophes of the present that Agamben sees the possibility of a form of profane redemption. Whyte outlines the importance of potentiality in his attempt to formulate a new politics, examines his relation to Jewish and Christian strands of messianism, and interrogates the new forms of praxis that he situates within contemporary commodity culture, taking Agamben's thought as a call for the creation of new political forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catastrophe and Redemption about?
Challenging the prevalent account of Agamben as a pessimistic thinker, Catastrophe and Redemption proposes a reading of his political thought in which the redemptive element of his work is not a curious aside but instead is fundamental to his project. Jessica Whyte considers his critical account of contemporary politics—his argument that Western politics has been \"biopolitics\" since its inception, his critique of human rights, his argument that the state of exception is now the norm, and the paradigmatic significance he attributes to the concentration camp—and shows that it is in the midst of these catastrophes of the present that Agamben sees the possibility of a form of profane redemption. Whyte outlines the importance of potentiality in his attempt to formulate a new politics, examines his relation to Jewish and Christian strands of messianism, and interrogates the new forms of praxis that he situates within contemporary commodity culture, taking Agamben's thought as a call for the creation of new political forms.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Catastrophe and Redemption?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Catastrophe and Redemption?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438448534
How long is Catastrophe and Redemption and how many pages does it have?
Catastrophe and Redemption has 223 page(s)
Is Catastrophe and Redemption part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Contemporary Continental Philosophy
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Catastrophe and Redemption?
Jessica Whyte
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Catastrophe and Redemption is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438448534) and paperback(ISBN 9781438448527) and pdf(ISBN 9781438448541)
Where can I buy Catastrophe and Redemption online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Catastrophe and Redemption?