Biopolitics Is Not (Primarily) About Life: On Biopolitics, Neoliberalism and Families

Journal of Speculative Philosophy 27:3 (2013), 322-335

14 Pages Posted: 11 Jan 2014

See all articles by Gordon Hull

Gordon Hull

University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Department of Philosophy

Date Written: 2013

Abstract

In this paper, I argue that (1) modern biopolitics is marked less by the entry of biological life into the polis then by a new consideration of the form of life proper to humans, one defined by risk management; (2) In this regard, economics – and neoliberalism specifically – can be read as an attempt to provide an answer to what form of life is proper to humans. (3) I illustrate this with reference to the test for the BRCA (breast cancer) genetic mutation and the forms of agency it encourages.

Keywords: Foucault, biopolitics, economics, life, genetics

Suggested Citation

Hull, Gordon, Biopolitics Is Not (Primarily) About Life: On Biopolitics, Neoliberalism and Families (2013). Journal of Speculative Philosophy 27:3 (2013), 322-335, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2376995

Gordon Hull (Contact Author)

University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Department of Philosophy ( email )

9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223
United States

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