Agamben's Critique of Modernity

Agamben critiques modernity for creating a paradoxical world where individuals are expected to be free and autonomous, yet are often trapped by institutions and norms that limit true freedom. He highlights how the emphasis on security, order, and efficiency can erode personal sovereignty, turning people into mere “bare life”—existing without meaningful rights or political agency. His analysis suggests modern systems blur the line between life and politics, reducing individuals to their biological existence while masking the social and political dimensions that should empower genuine freedom and participation.