Videophilosophy: The Perception of Time in Post-Fordism

Maurizio Lazzarato is an Italian philosopher who has gained recognition for his analysis of contemporary capitalism, particularly his concept of immaterial labor and his insights into debt. His book "Videophilosophy" explores the foundations of contemporary subjectivity in the aesthetics and politics of mass media. Drawing on various thinkers such as Bergson, Nietzsche, Benjamin, Deleuze, and Guattari, Lazzarato develops a new philosophy of media that connects political economy to the politics of aesthetics. He argues that the proliferation of digital technologies has led to a transition to a new mode of capitalist production characterized by unprecedented forms of subjection. Lazzarato calls for novel political actions to challenge the commercialization and exploitation of time in this critical text, offering valuable perspectives on aesthetics, politics, and media and critical theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Italian philosopher Maurizio Lazzarato has garnered widespread recognition for his insightful examination of contemporary capitalism, particularly his influential concept of immaterial labor and his perceptive writings on debt. In his work "Videophilosophy," he delves into the foundations of contemporary subjectivity within the aesthetics and politics of mass media. Originally written in French and published in Italian, this book serves as a comprehensive exposition of Lazzarato's entire thought, particularly at a time when his writings have gained increasing influence. Lazzarato draws upon a diverse range of thinkers, including Bergson, Nietzsche, Benjamin, Deleuze, and Guattari, as well as the film theory and practice of Dziga Vertov, to construct a novel philosophy of media that intertwines political economy with the politics of aesthetics. Through his concept of "machines that crystallize time," he argues that the proliferation of digital technologies over the past half-century signifies a significant transition towards a new mode of capitalist production characterized by unprecedented forms of subjection. In this new era of the commodification of the self, Lazzarato asserts that novel political actions are necessary to challenge the commercialization and exploitation of time. This seminal text by a prominent contemporary thinker provides valuable new insights into aesthetics, politics, and media, as well as critical theory.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 143 x 216 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231175395