Biopolitics

ogólnouniwersyteckie
seminaria monograficzne

Student should have basic knowledge about main ethical theories, be interested in the theoretical foundations of political, social, cultural and moral issues and have an ability of analytical thinking.

The aim of the course is to present the philosophical assumptions and historical forms in which there is a link between biological life and the political community (in such dimensions as: illness, hygiene, otherness, exclusion, refugee status etc.) and to familiarize students with the basic texts of biopolitics (Foucault, Agamben, Negri, Haraway etc).

The aim of the course is to present the philosophical assumptions and historical forms in which the relationship between biological life and politics appeared, and to familiarize students with the basic texts in the field of biopolitics. During the course, two biopolitics models will be discussed. The first, related to the ancient concept of life and the political way of shaping it, and the second, which concerns life as the subject of biological sciences and the political use of the results of these sciences (e.g. Darwinism, race theory, etc.). The goal of the course will also include analysis of contemporary philosophical interpretations of biopolitics, based on such authors as Foucault, Agamben, and problems such as illness, hygiene, otherness, exclusion, refugee status.

Selected topics:

- Nationalism and human rights,

- Reproduction, gender and sexuality as political problems,

- Eugenics, medicalization,

- Technology development (hybrids, cyborgs),

- Disease as a political category (epidemics, addictions, etc.).

Selection: Agamben, Homo sacer; Plato, The State, Aristotle, Politics,, Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism; Butler, Gender Trouble; Foucault, History of Sexuality; Haraway, A Cyborg Manifesto; Hart, Negri, Commonwealth; Fukuyama, On Posthuman Future; Rose, The Politics of Life Itself.

Knowledge:

K_W10, student knows the basic concepts, problems, theories and methods of biopolitics.

W_U14, student is able to prepare and deliver an oral presentation (paper) - particularly from the field of biopolitics or related disciplines and sub-disciplines of science.

Skills:

K_U0, student is able to critically analyze oral and written statements of authors in the field of biopolitics - reconstruct ideas, identify factual and normative assumptions, critically assess the correctness of argumentation.

Social competences:

K_K01, student is ready to critically assess received knowledge and information.

Additional learning outcomes for PHD students

WG_01, to the extent that allows the revision of existing paradigms - global achievements, including theoretical foundations as well as general issues and selected specific issues - appropriate for humanities disciplines, in this case concerning biopolitics,

WG_02, to the extent that allows the revision of existing paradigms - global achievements, including theoretical foundations as well as general issues and selected specific issues - appropriate for humanities disciplines, in this case concerning biopolitics,

WK_01, fundamental dilemmas of modern civilization from the perspective of the humanities.

Active participation – 40%, introductions to discussion -30%, Final paper or test – 30% (decided at the first meeting).

Additional pass criteria for PhD students:

Active participation – 40%, presentation to the topic -30%, Final paper 30%.

Number of absences: 2