The Philosophy of Agamben

Giorgio Agamben has gained widespread popularity in recent years for his rethinking of radical politics and his approach to meta-physics and language. However, the extraordinary breadth of historical, legal and philosophical sources which contribute to the complexity and depth of Agamben's thinking can also make his work intimidating. Covering the full range of Agamben's work, this critical introduction outlines Agamben's key concerns: metaphysics, language and potentiality, aesthetics and poetics, sovereignty, law and biopolitics, ethics and testimony, and his powerful vision of post-historical humanity. Highlighting the novelty of Agamben's approach while also situating it in relation to the work of other continental thinkers, The Philosophy of Agamben presents a clear and engaging introduction to the work of this original and influential thinker.
"Mills has written an important, original book that will transform the received understanding of Agamben's work in the humanities and social sciences. Her unapologetically philosophical interpretation is required reading for those who wish to assess the true impact and significance of Agamben s interventions in politics, aesthetics and culture." --Paul Fletcher, Lancaster University

"Mills does a superb job of weaving together the entire range of Agamben's writings from his early texts on language to his later, better known writings on politics to provide a lucid introductory survey of Agamben's main ideas while at the same time outlining a path of critical analysis that offers much food for thought for those already familiar with his work." --Steven DeCaroli, Goucher College, Baltimore