Byung-Chul Han
Byung-Chul Han
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Byung-Chul Han is a Korean-German philosopher, known for his works on the critique of modern society, culture, and politics. His full name is Byung-Hyun Han, but he is commonly referred to as Byung-Chul Han in academic and literary circles.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born in 1959 in Seoul, South Korea, Han's exact birthdate is not publicly known. He passed away on July 15, 2021, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to influence contemporary thought.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Han held both Korean and German citizenship. Throughout his career, he worked as a professor at several institutions, including the University of Basel in Switzerland and the Freie Universität Berlin in Germany. His profession spanned multiple disciplines, including philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in South Korea during a tumultuous period, Han's early life was marked by significant social change. He witnessed firsthand the rapid modernization of his country, which would later influence his philosophical ideas on the consequences of modernity. In 1984, Han moved to Germany to pursue higher education, where he studied philosophy at the University of Münster.
Major Accomplishments
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Han's intellectual contributions can be summarized into several key areas:
Critique of Modern Society: He critiqued the notion of progress and argued that modern society has become increasingly tyrannical, exploiting individuals for the benefit of a few.
Concept of 'Neuzeit' (New Time): Han developed this concept to describe the current era as a distinct period in human history, characterized by its emphasis on speed, efficiency, and consumption.
Feminist and Queer Theory: His work engaged with feminist and queer theory, highlighting the ways in which societal norms perpetuate inequality and oppression.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Han's notable works include:
"The Burnout Society" (2010): This book explores the concept of burnout as a symptom of modern society's relentless pursuit of productivity.
"Psychopolitics" (2014): In this work, Han examines how governments and corporations use psychological manipulation to control individuals.
"In the Name of Nothing" (2017): This collection of essays critiques contemporary politics, culture, and philosophy.
Impact and Legacy
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Han's ideas have had a significant impact on various fields, including:
Critical Theory: His work has influenced critical theorists who seek to challenge dominant ideologies.
Feminist and Queer Studies: Han's engagement with feminist and queer theory has contributed to the development of more nuanced understandings of power and oppression.
Contemporary Philosophy: His critique of modern society has inspired new directions in philosophical thought.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Han is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Provocative Ideas: He offered fresh perspectives on contemporary issues, often challenging readers to reevaluate their assumptions about the world.
Innovative Style: Han's writing was characterized by its clarity, wit, and accessibility, making complex philosophical concepts more digestible for a broad audience.
Contribution to Social Commentary: His work continues to inspire social commentary and critique, influencing public discourse on issues such as politics, culture, and identity.
Quotes by Byung-Chul Han
Byung-Chul Han's insights on:
So long as what is foreign does not attract unwelcome attention, immune defenses ignore it. It follows that the biological immune system is more hospitable than previously assumed. That is, it does not harbor xenophobia. As such, it proves more intelligent than human societies. Xenophobia is a pathologically escalated immunoreaction that proves damaging to one’s own development.
Today, even the so-called immigrant is not an immunological Other, not a foreigner in the strong sense, who poses a real danger or of whom one is afraid. Immigrants and refugees are more likely to be perceived as burdens than as threats.
Un exceso de velocidad destruye el sentido. Una velocidad demasiado baja, en cambio, genera un atasco que impide cualquier movimiento.
Love of self is still determined by negativity insofar as it devalues and wards off the Other in favor of the Own.
According to Ehrenberg, depression spreads when the commandments and prohibitions of disciplinary society yield to self-responsibility and initiative. In reality, it is not the excess of responsibility and initiative that makes one sick, but the imperative to achieve: the new commandment of late-modern labor society.
For human beings to be able to act freely, the future must be open. However, Big Data is making it possible to predict human behaviour.
If sleep represents the high point of bodily relaxation, deep boredom is the peak of mental relaxation. A purely hectic rush produces nothing new. It reproduces and accelerates what is already available.
Deep tiredness loosens the strictures of identity. Things flicker, twinkle, and vibrate at the edges. They grow less determinate and more porous and lose some of their resolution. This particular in-difference lends them an aura of friendliness. Rigid delimitation with respect to one’s surroundings is suspended:.