(in Polish) Biopolitics

elective seminars

The communicative knowledge of the English language is required.

The aim of the seminar is to present the philosophical assumptions and historical forms in which the connection between life and politics has emerged, and to familiarize students with basic texts in the field of biopolitics and connect them with bioethics. During the classes, two models of biopolitics will be discussed, among others: the first one related to the ancient concept of bios (life) and the political way of shaping it, and the second one concerning life as an object of biological sciences and the political use of the results of these sciences (e.g., Darwinism, race theory, etc.). The subject of the classes will also include contemporary philosophical interpretations of biopolitics, as found in the writings of Foucault, Agamben, Giddens, Butler, which will be confronted with current problems and case studies from social life on both national and international scales.

The aim of the seminar is to present the philosophical assumptions and historical forms in which the connection between life and politics has emerged, and to familiarize students with basic texts in the field of biopolitics. During the classes, two models of biopolitics will be discussed, among others: the first one related to the ancient concept of life and the political way of shaping it, and the second one concerning life as an object of biological sciences and the political use of the results of these sciences (e.g., Darwinism, race theory, etc.). The subject of the classes will also include contemporary philosophical interpretations of biopolitics, as found in the writings of Foucault, Agamben, Giddens, and their application to the analysis of various cases on both national and international scales.

Selected topics:

- Basic human needs (shelter, freedom, security),

- Nationalism and ethnonationalism,

- Reproduction, gender, and sexuality as political issues,

- Eugenics as a political practice,

- Technological development and the issue of human enhancement,

- Disease as a political category (epidemics, addictions).

Wybór/Selection:

Agamben G., Homo sacer, Arendt H.,The Origins of Totalitarianism; Butler J., Gender Trouble, Foucault M., History of Sexuality; Hobbes T., Leviathan; Fukuyama F., Our Posthuman Future:Consequences of the Biotechnology Revolution; Sussman D., What’s Wrong with Torture?

Knowledge:

K_W10, student knows the basic concepts, problems, theories and methods of biopolitics.

W_U14, student is able to prepare and deliver an oral presentation (paper) - particularly from the field of biopolitics or related disciplines and sub-disciplines of science.

Skills:

K_U0, student is able to critically analyze oral and written statements of authors in the field of biopolitics - reconstruct ideas, identify factual and normative assumptions, critically assess the correctness of argumentation.

Social competences:

K_K01, student is ready to critically assess received knowledge and information.

Additional learning outcomes for PHD students

WG_01, to the extent that allows the revision of existing paradigms - global achievements, including theoretical foundations as well as general issues and selected specific issues - appropriate for humanities disciplines, in this case concerning biopolitics,

WG_02, to the extent that allows the revision of existing paradigms - global achievements, including theoretical foundations as well as general issues and selected specific issues - appropriate for humanities disciplines, in this case concerning biopolitics,

WK_01, fundamental dilemmas of modern civilization from the perspective of the humanities.

Active participation – 40%, introductions to discussion -30%, test – 30%

Additional pass criteria for PhD students: active participation – 40%, introductions to discussion-30%, test 30%.

Number of absences: 2