A1 Journal article (refereed)
Foucault and Agamben on Augustine, Paradise and the Politics of Human Nature (2024)
Prozorov, S. (2024). Foucault and Agamben on Augustine, Paradise and the Politics of Human Nature. Theory, Culture and Society, 41(1), 23-37. https://doi.org/10.1177/02632764221140811
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Prozorov, Sergei
Journal or series: Theory, Culture and Society
ISSN: 0263-2764
eISSN: 1460-3616
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 21/01/2023
Volume: 41
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 23-37
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02632764221140811
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85235
Abstract
This article focuses on Foucault’s and Agamben’s readings of Augustine’s account of human nature and original sin. Foucault’s analysis of Augustine’s account of sexual acts in paradise, subordinated to will and devoid of lust, highlights the way it constitutes the model for the married couple, whose sexual acts are only acceptable if diverted by the will away from desire and towards the tasks of procreation. While Agamben rejects Augustine’s doctrine of original sin and reclaims paradise as the original homeland of humanity, his reappropriation of paradise remains conditioned by our turn towards our true nature, from which we have been estranged by sin. Agamben’s politics of reclaiming paradise necessarily involves the demand for obedience to this originary model of human nature. It therefore follows to the letter Augustine’s description of paradisiacal sex, in which the will prevails over desire by applying itself to and curtailing itself.
Keywords: nature; messianism; Paradise; obedience; humanity (societal properties); sin; original sin; ethics; morals
Free keywords: Agamben, Giorgio; Augustine; Foucault, Michel; messianism; nature; obedience; paradise
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2023
JUFO rating: 2
