Giorgio Agamben's Homo Sacer Series: A Critical Introduction and Guide

Agamben's "The Coming Community" is a significant philosophical text that explores sovereignty, the state of exception, potentiality and actuality, and the form-of-life beyond law. Colby Dickinson provides a guide to understanding its importance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

In this celebrated work, Agamben weaves a intricate and multifaceted tapestry of his thoughts on a diverse array of subjects, encompassing sovereignty, the state of exception, the Aristotelian distinction between potentiality and actuality, and the impossibility of capturing the essence of language in mere words. Accompanied by Colby Dickinson's insightful guide, this series emerges as one of the most profound and influential philosophical texts of the past century, accessible to readers without prior familiarity with the text.

Agamben delves into profound inquiries into the nature of sovereignty, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and implications. He examines the concept of the state of exception, which signifies a temporary suspension of ordinary legal norms and the authority of the state. Through this lens, Agamben sheds light on the paradoxical nature of power, where it can both empower and restrict individuals, and the complex dynamics that govern political systems.

The Aristotelian distinction between potentiality and actuality is another central theme in Agamben's work. He challenges the traditional understanding of reality as a fixed and unchanging entity, instead proposing that reality is constantly in a state of becoming. This notion opens up new perspectives on the nature of time, history, and human existence, as well as the potential for transformation and change.

Agamben also delves into the realm of language and its limitations. He questions the ability of words to fully express the complexities of human experience and the inherent limitations of language itself. He explores the concept of the "form-of-life" lived beyond all forms of law, a realm where individuals exist outside of the confines of legal and societal structures. This form-of-life is characterized by a sense of freedom, authenticity, and connection to the natural world.

In conclusion, Agamben's work is a testament to his intellectual prowess and his ability to engage with complex philosophical concepts. Through his meticulous exploration of sovereignty, the state of exception, the Aristotelian distinction, language, and the form-of-life beyond law, he offers a rich and thought-provoking perspective on the nature of power, reality, and human existence. This series is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, politics, and the human condition.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474486699