Speed and Politics, new editionWith this book Paul Virilio inaugurated the new science whose object of study is the "dromocratic" revolution. Speed and Politics (first published in France in 1977) is the matrix of Virilio's entire work. Building on the works of Morand, Marinetti, and McLuhan, Virilio presents a vision more radically political than that of any of his French contemporaries: speed as the engine of destruction. Speed and Politics presents a topological account of the entire history of humanity, honing in on the technological advances made possible through the militarization of society. Paralleling Heidegger's account of technology, Virilio's vision sees speed—not class or wealth—as the primary force shaping civilization. In this "technical vitalism," multiple projectiles—inert fortresses and bunkers, the "metabolic bodies" of soldiers, transport vessels, and now information and computer technology—are launched in a permanent assault on the world and on human nature. Written at a lightning-fast pace, Virilio's landmark book is a split-second, overwhelming look at how humanity's motivity has shaped the way we function today, and what might come of it. |
From inside the book
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... possible . In the 1960's , Virilio collaborated with architect Claude Parent to develop a challenging program for an oblique architec- ture using inclined planes . It followed the principle of “ habitable circulation , " intending to ...
... possible if one moved out of the weapon's range ; possible as well through the shelter of the trench , greater than that of the shield - possible , in other words , through space and matter . Today , the reduction of warning time that ...
... possible , centralization has become politically necessary . " This shortcut recalls that of Saint - Just's famous dictum : " When a people can be oppressed , it will be ” —the dif- ference being that this techno - logistical oppression ...
Contents
THE DROMOCRATIC REVOLUTION | 27 |
From Highway Right to State Right | 49 |
Practical War | 73 |
Copyright | |
4 other sections not shown