From Machenschaft to Biopolitics: A Genealogical Critique of Biopower

Robert Sinnerbrink

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From Machenschaft to Biopolitics: A Genealogical Critique of Biopower

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Robert Sinnerbrink

Robert Sinnerbrink
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 239–265

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789047408765_014

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Abstract

This paper develops a genealogical critique of the concepts of biopower and biopolitics in the work of Foucault and Agamben. It shows how Heidegger’s reflections on Machenschaft or machination prefigure the concepts of biopower and biopolitics. It develops a critique of Foucault’s account of biopolitics as a system of managing the biological life of populations culminating in neo-liberalism, and a critique of Agamben’s presentation of biopolitics as the metaphysical foundation of Western political rationality. Foucault’s ethical turn within biopolitical governmentality, along with Agamben’s messianic gesture towards a utopian community to come, are questioned as political responses to biopower regimes.

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Critique Today

Series: Social and Critical Theory, Volume: 3

E-Book ISBN:: 9789047408765

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 2006

Subjects
- Social Sciences
  - Critical Social Sciences

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From Machenschaft to Biopolitics: A Genealogical Critique of Biopower

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