Biopolitics

Biopolitics Definition

Biopolitics is a broad concept describing the complex ways in which biological processes intersect with political structures, encompassing commerce, law, and morality. More specifically, it refers to the contentious politics and conflicts that arise concerning nature and the environment. This framework is applied to social movements such as environmentalism and animal rights, whose cognitive and political practices can be understood as manifestations of biopolitics.

Transhumanism

The term acquires a more specific meaning within the context of the transhumanist movement. As a form of biopolitics, transhumanism represents a movement oriented towards achieving a posthuman or cyborg society through technological advancement.

Origins and Theory

The phrase was initially coined by James Hughes, an American professor, to denote a pro-technological outlook positioned in opposition to Luddites. Leading social theorists associated with the concept include Michel Foucault, Donna Haraway, and Peter Singer.