This essay examines the concept of Zoopolis through the lens of Kojève’s idea of the end of history. Kojève imagines a post-historical human who, after negating their animal nature, returns to a passive, animal-like state. The author connects this to current debates on animal rights and proposals to grant animals urban citizenship. The fusion of zoon and polis in Zoopolis is seen as uncanny, recalling Freud and Plessner’s reflections on estrangement. As cities evolve into BioCities, integrating non-human life, questions arise about the essence of urbanity, technology, and political inclusion. Ultimately, Zoopolis reveals a repressed aspect of humanity—our deep entanglement with nature—challenging human exceptionalism and urging a redefinition of coexistence.
IL PERTURBANTE DELLA ZOOPOLIS
Virgilio Cesarone
2025-01-01
Abstract
This essay examines the concept of Zoopolis through the lens of Kojève’s idea of the end of history. Kojève imagines a post-historical human who, after negating their animal nature, returns to a passive, animal-like state. The author connects this to current debates on animal rights and proposals to grant animals urban citizenship. The fusion of zoon and polis in Zoopolis is seen as uncanny, recalling Freud and Plessner’s reflections on estrangement. As cities evolve into BioCities, integrating non-human life, questions arise about the essence of urbanity, technology, and political inclusion. Ultimately, Zoopolis reveals a repressed aspect of humanity—our deep entanglement with nature—challenging human exceptionalism and urging a redefinition of coexistence.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
