Revista Polis e Psique
On-line version ISSN 2238-152X
Abstract
FURTADO, Mariama Augusto and SZAPIRO, Ana Maria. New dispositifs of subjectivity: malaise in contemporary culture. Rev. Polis Psique [online]. 2016, vol.6, n.2, pp.166-185. ISSN 2238-152X.
This theoretical study investigates shifts in the location of malaise within the context of post-modernity’s ongoing transformation. We investigate nuances which mark new arrangements within post-modernism corresponding to the ascendancy of technology over science, the advancement of the cybernetic paradigm and the emphasis on pragmatism and utilitarianism as philosophical horizons. Questioning the location of malaise is justified in that it seems to be a fitting indicator of the subjectivity of an era. We analyse discourses which extol the idea of overcoming all limits which present themselves as obstacles to the achievement of a complete state of happiness thereby attributing a sense of negativity to the experience of malaise. Within a culture whose values revolve around speed, performance, productivity, efficiency and utility, where is the place of suffering?
Keywords : Happiness; Health; Postmodernity; Suffering; Technoscience.