Barbarism

Barbarismrepresents a critique, from the perspective of Michel Henry's unique philosophy of life, ofthe increasing potential of science and technology to destroy the roots of culture and the value of the individual human being. For Henry, barbarismis the result of a devaluation of human life and culture that can be traced back to the spread of quantification, the scientific method andtechnology over all aspects of modern life. The book develops a compelling critique of capitalism, technology and education and provides a powerfulinsight into the political implications of Henry's work. It also opens up a new dialogue with other influential cultural critics, such as Marx, Husserl, and Heidegger. First published in French in 1987,Barbarism aroused great interest as well as virulent criticism. Today the bookreveals what for Henry is a cruel reality: the tragic feeling of powerlessness experienced by the cultured person. Above all he argues for the importanceof returning to philosophy in order to analyse the root causes of barbarism in our world.

Translator's Introduction \ Preface to the Second Edition \ Introduction:What Was Never Seen \ 1. Culture and Barbarism \ 2.Science Judged by the Criterion of Art \ 3. Science Alone: Technology \ 4. TheSickness of Life \ 5. The Ideologies of Barbarism \ 6. The Practices ofBarbarism \ 7. The Destruction of the University \ Conclusion: Underground \ Index