Flourishing Thought

Democracy in an Age of Data Hoards

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Social Science, Gender Studies
Cover of the book Flourishing Thought by Ruth A Miller, University of Michigan Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ruth A Miller ISBN: 9780472122301
Publisher: University of Michigan Press Publication: August 25, 2016
Imprint: University of Michigan Press Language: English
Author: Ruth A Miller
ISBN: 9780472122301
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Publication: August 25, 2016
Imprint: University of Michigan Press
Language: English

Challenging the posthumanist canon that celebrates the preeminence of matter, Ruth Miller, in Flourishing Thought contends that what nonhuman systems contribute to democracy is thought. Drawing on recent feminist theories of nonhuman life and politics, Miller shows that reproduction and flourishing are not antithetical to contemplation and sensitivity. After demonstrating that processes of life and processes of thought are indistinguishable, Miller finds that four menacing accumulations of matter and information—global surveillance, stored embryos, human clones, and reproductive trash—are politically productive rather than threats to democratic politics. As a consequence, she questions the usefulness of individual rights such as privacy and dignity, contests the value of the rational metaphysics underlying human-centered political participation, and reevaluates the gender relations that derive from this type of participation. Ultimately, in place of these human-centered structures, Miller posits a more meditative mode of democratic engagement.

Miller’s argument has shattering implications for the debates over the proper use and disposal of embryonic tissue, alarms about data gathering by the state and corporations, and other major ethical, social, and security issues.
 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Challenging the posthumanist canon that celebrates the preeminence of matter, Ruth Miller, in Flourishing Thought contends that what nonhuman systems contribute to democracy is thought. Drawing on recent feminist theories of nonhuman life and politics, Miller shows that reproduction and flourishing are not antithetical to contemplation and sensitivity. After demonstrating that processes of life and processes of thought are indistinguishable, Miller finds that four menacing accumulations of matter and information—global surveillance, stored embryos, human clones, and reproductive trash—are politically productive rather than threats to democratic politics. As a consequence, she questions the usefulness of individual rights such as privacy and dignity, contests the value of the rational metaphysics underlying human-centered political participation, and reevaluates the gender relations that derive from this type of participation. Ultimately, in place of these human-centered structures, Miller posits a more meditative mode of democratic engagement.

Miller’s argument has shattering implications for the debates over the proper use and disposal of embryonic tissue, alarms about data gathering by the state and corporations, and other major ethical, social, and security issues.
 

More books from University of Michigan Press

Cover of the book Hot Fudge Sundae in a White Paper Cup by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Michigan's Town and Country Inns, 5th Edition by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book My Body Politic by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book A Tale of Two Capitalisms by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Hybrid Justice by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Arthur Miller's Global Theater by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Resident Alien by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Understanding Torture by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Great Lengths by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Shakin' All Over by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book The Jazz Republic by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Evita, Inevitably by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book Racial Union by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book The Social Politics of Medieval Diplomacy by Ruth A Miller
Cover of the book A University for the 21st Century by Ruth A Miller
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy