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Byung-Chul Han
Byung-Chul Han (born 1959) is a South Korean-born philosopher and cultural theorist living in Germany. He was a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts and still occasionally gives courses there.
The Agony of Eros
Synopsis
In "The Agony of Eros," philosopher Byung-Chul Han explores the troubling decline of desire in contemporary society. He argues that the modern pursuit of immediate satisfaction and the prevalence of pornography have eroded genuine connection, replacing the potential for transformative passion with mere objectification. This philosophical inquiry examines how the "reign of the identical" threatens authentic love and human interaction.
Genres
Frequently asked questions
How does The Agony of Eros relate to Byung-Chul Han's other works?
This book is a foundational text in Han's critique of contemporary society, particularly his exploration of how neoliberalism and performance culture impact human relationships and the psyche. It introduces key concepts that he further develops in later works, such as the 'burnout society' and the 'transparency society,' by examining the specific domain of love and desire.
Is The Agony of Eros a standalone philosophical work?
While it engages with broader philosophical traditions, The Agony of Eros presents a self-contained argument about the nature of love and desire in modern times. Readers do not need prior knowledge of Han's other books or specific philosophical schools to understand its core ideas.