Agamben's Theories of the State of Exception: From Political to Economic Theology

Agamben's Theories of the State ExceptionFrom Political to Economic Theology Tim Christiaens (bio) He who, in this mystical alphabet, begins with A will inevitably end Z; he who desires worship God must harbour no childish illusions about matter, but bravely renounce his liberty and humanity. —Mikhail Bakunin Giorgio philosophy is frequently treated as continuous throughout career. Agamben himself encourages such a reading by making explicit links between recent earlier works. Commentators rarely question assumption continuity, which odd given long career some statements contrary. The first chapter Exception (2005), for example, called "The Paradigm Government," while proclaims lecture years later that "in order understand peculiar governmentality under we live, paradigm state exception not entirely adequate" (2014). As result, secondary literature tends focus either on volumes Homo Sacer project mention others only passing or vice versa. I continuity examining theory exception. identify two approaches First, delineate how (1998) conforms Schmitt's politico-theological perspective secularized form miraculous divine intervention. In Exception, there are, however, hints away from political theology toward view sovereignty an auctoritas suspends also legitimates application law. third section, show Kingdom Glory (2011) moves economic [End Page 49] providential government. sovereign longer intervenes directly suspending law renders inactive make spontaneous self-government world possible. final part, address relation economico-theological models. Whereas favors latter over former Glory, defend where argues relevance both depending degree obedience Under normal circumstances, authorization suffices. suspension law, remains part sovereign's toolbox, employed emergency situations. HOMO SACER: THE STATE OF EXCEPTION AS MIRACLE starts Aristotle's distinction natural sociopolitical life: "zo?, expressed simple fact living common all beings … , bios, indicated way proper individual group" (1998, 1). Communities articulate their bios via identification specifically human potentiality that, if actualized, provides happiness (Whyte, 25–26; Watkin, 186). polis, instance, cultivation logos was deemed utmost achievement good life. To actualize potentiality, community elaborates social rules. 20), agrees Carl Schmitt (10) these rules real-life situations problematic. General abstract can be applied particular cases through mediation decision (McLoughlin 2009, 246; Whyte, 60). applicability makes sense maker choose apply rule. authorities refusing it specific case. case excluded included sphere authority decides whether event falls same argument holds legal whole, inclusive exclusion constitutes (Agamben 1998, 21). depends 50] willingness thus capacity withdraw (DeCaroli, 50): presupposition juridical reference its...