Biowarfare as a biopolitical icon

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Source:

Poiesis & Praxis: International Journal of Technology Assessment and Ethics of Science, Volume 3, Issue 4, p.242 - 255 (2005)

URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10202-005-0005-0

Abstract:

Nuclear warfare threat has been one of the main driver for cultural, political, economical and social changes in the late twentieth century, biological warfare threat is about to take it over. However, while nuclear warfare was a concrete possibility, biological warfare is just an elusive risk. This paper will explore some reasons for this apparent inconsistency by discussing biowarfare from a symbolic point of view, looking for its inner meanings and philosophical implications.