Giorgio Agamben: the analytical paradigm archaeological method for the study of migrations

Abstract

This article aims to highlight the relevance of Agamben's paradigmatic archaeological method for studies in the field of migrations, as it can offer the possibility of a philosophical analysis of contemporary migrations. In this way, Agamben's method becomes an instrument of theoretical reflection that enables us to understand contemporary migrations as a kind of paradigm of Western politics. The bibliographical research developed was based on the on the work "Signatura Rerum: on method”, in which Agamben explains his research method. We also explored complementary works by thinkers with whom the Italian philosopher dialogues in order to clarify his archaeological-paradigmatic method.  Agamben's main works offer for reflection terms such as secularization, Homo sacer, bare life and state of exception, these demarcate situations around which the philosopher tries to explain contemporary politics; like a "time machine" they allow us to analyze events from their emergence, providing an indication that the politics of the present carries a signature of the politics of the past. The hypothesis that was intended to be analyzed is that Agamben's archaeological-paradigmatic method can be considered a tool that allows for the analysis and understanding of the migrant individual's insertion of life into contemporary politics. It remains proven that Agamben and his method account for the reflection-critique and recognize the life of contemporary migrants as bare life under governments in a state of exception.

Keywords: Method; Paradigm; Homo sacer; Migrations; Agamben.