Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Ιστορίας της ΦιλοσοφίαςLibrary of the School of Philosophy
Supervisors info:
Γεράσιμος Κακολύρης, επίκουρος καθηγητής, Τμήμα Φιλοσοφίας, ΕΚΠΑ
Γεώργιος Αραμπατζής, αναπληρωτής καθηγητής, Τμήμα Φιλοσοφίας, ΕΚΠΑ.
Βίκυ Ιακώβου, επίκουρη καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Κοινωνικής Ανθρωπολογίας και Ιστορίας, Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου
Original Title:
Μια φουκωική ανάλυση των πανδημιών. Η διαχείριση του Covid-19
Translated title:
A foucaultian analysis of pandemics. The management of Covid-19
Summary:
Foucault has analyzed power as a complex function in specific historical situations. According to the philosopher, power is formed through the relations of innumerable points and that is why it refers to power relations, which apply a series of techniques, practices and strategies to achieve the desired results. In this light, Foucault describes "forms of power" which produce the knowledge and truth of each age. Today, the current Covid-19 virus pandemic raises concerns about its management policies, which are inextricably linked to forms of power. The aim of this paper is to trace the origins of Covid-19 pandemic management based on the foucaultian analysis of power. In this context, governementality, sovereignty and bio-power. Bio-power consists of two poles: discipline and biopolitics. At the same time, the management of the three major pandemics (leprosy, plague, smallpox) is presented, and the way that it is associated with the forms of power. Sovereignty is linked to leprosy management, discipline to plague management, and biopolitics to smallpox management. The analysis shows that the management of Covid-19 has applied worldwide, techniques and practices that have their roots in the management of these three major pandemics. The questions that arise are many. What is the appropriate name in the new example of the exercise of power,? Is there a return to normality or is humanity entering a new era? What forms of power are preferable to decision making? Is there a possibility for a different type of pandemic management?
Main subject category:
Philosophy - Psychology
Keywords:
Foucault, pandemic, Covid-19, sovereignty, biopower, governementality, security.
