Democracy, Authority, Narcissism: From Agamben to Stiegler

Democracy, Authority, Narcissism: From Agamben to Stiegler
from Contretemps, an online journal of philosophy.

In this exciting essay, which draws on the work of Agamben, Freud, Heidegger and Stiegler, Daniel Ross attempts to uncover a technological movement which he argues should be understood as having its own evolution independent of those who are presumed to control it (that is, use it as a means to their purportedly self-determined ends). What is suggested is the reversal of our common understanding regarding the relation of the human to its tool. He argues that given the nature and direction of technology, we should reassess ‘democracy’ as a concept in crisis. On the horizon he sees a destruction of the distinction between law and life, and the loss of our collective and individual individuation (perhaps akin in spirit to the ambition of National Socialism though certainly more invidious). I highly recommend reading through this relatively short essay (11 pages) if not just for the excellent background knowledge it provides on the work of these important thinkers.

Daniel Ross is an Australian philosopher and film-maker.