Flesh and agency: the exercise of difference in life in common beyond the dichotomy between ontology and history
Scientic Supervisor / Contact Person
Name and Surname
Agustín Colombo
Localization & Research Area
Faculty / Institute
Faculty of Philosophy
Department
Filosofía y Sociedad (Philosophy and Society)
Research Area
Social Sciences and Humanities (SOC)
MSCA & ERC experience
Research group / research team hosted any MSCA fellow?
Yes
Research group / research team have any ERC beneficiaries?
No
Research Team & Research Topic
Research Team / Research Group Name (if any)
History and ontology of the present: the Hispanic perspective
Website of the Research team / Research Group / Department
Brief description of the Research Team / Research Group / Department
The main objective of the research group 'History and Ontology of the Present. The Hispanic Perspective' (Ref. 941051), rated as EXCELLENT by the State Research Agency (AEI), is to conduct research on the main phenomena and concepts that define our present through conceptual history.
For further information, visit https://www.ucm.es/ghyop/presentacion
For further information, visit https://www.ucm.es/ghyop/presentacion
Research lines / projects proposed
Te main objective of my research is to overcome the aporias of both Foucault and French phenomenology’s approach to the flesh regarding human action. On the one hand, the account of human action that Foucault develops through investigation on the flesh tends to result in a historical diagnosis of the different mechanisms of power-knowledge through which subjectivity is shaped. Whereas such an approach takes into account the various modes in which subjectivity is constituted in different historical periods and cultures, it does not provide an adequate alternative to explain how individuals should act to undo mechanisms of power-knowledge at work in the present. On the other hand, French phenomenology’s reflection on the flesh (Merleau-Ponty and Michel Henry) provides an explanation of human action that goes beyond historical description. This is because French phenomenology’s account of the flesh involves an ontological dimension which works as a necessary and universal basis that explains how individuals should conduct themselves. However, due to its ontological dimension, the account of action that results from French phenomenology’s account of the flesh tends to become a universal normative pattern which does not leave much room for different ways in which individuals could conduct themselves. My research aims to overcome this conceptual quagmire to which the critique of the subject leads: Can human agency be thought in a way that takes into account diversity and difference and goes beyond historical description? Can such an account of agency be developed without necessarily involving an ontological dimension which tends to result in the imposition of general and abstract values? But also, and perhaps more importantly, how can we live and act together in a way that radical respect for difference does not undermine common life?
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Application requirements
Professional Experience & Documents
For any inquiries, please contact Agustín Colombo.
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