Philosophy of Care

The ideology of creativity dominates our culture, legitimizing the domination of the creative class over the rest of the population. We have a responsibility to care for our own bodies, but our culture tends to thematize the bodies of desire and ignore the bodies of care. The book discusses the philosophical tradition of care, beginning with Plato and ending with Alexander Bogdanov, and questions who should be the subject of care. The concept of self-care becomes a revolutionary principle that confronts the individual with the dominating mechanisms of control.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

The prevailing ideology in our culture strongly emphasizes the importance of creativity, suggesting that individuals should focus on generating new ideas rather than being concerned with the existing state of affairs. This ideology grants the creative class a dominant position over the majority of the population, who are primarily engaged in forms of care such as medical care, child care, agriculture, and industrial maintenance. However, we must recognize that our culture often prioritizes the bodies of desire while disregarding the bodies of care, particularly those that require self-care and social support.

While the concept of care has a rich philosophical heritage, the book delves into specific episodes from ancient times, including Plato and Alexander Bogdanov, all the way to Hegel, Heidegger, Bataille, and numerous other influential thinkers. The central question that is explored is: who should be the recipient of care? Should individuals prioritize self-care or place their trust in others, the system, or institutional structures? Here, the concept of self-care emerges as a revolutionary principle that challenges individuals to confront the dominant mechanisms of control that govern their lives.

Throughout the book, the author examines various perspectives on care, challenging the notion that care is solely a women's responsibility and highlighting the significance of caregiving in all aspects of society. The book also explores the political implications of care, emphasizing the need for social and political reforms to address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate carelessness and neglect.

In conclusion, our culture's emphasis on creativity has led to the domination of the creative class and the marginalization of the bodies of care. However, the discussion of care has a long and rich philosophical tradition that offers valuable insights into the nature of care and the responsibilities of individuals and society as a whole. By recognizing the importance of care and challenging the dominant narratives that perpetuate carelessness, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society where everyone has access to the care they need and deserve.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 136 x 203 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839764929