Technologies of the Self, Politics, and Ontology. The Case of Meditative Practices

Authors

  • António Carvalho Universidad de Coímbra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29092/uacm.v21i56.1128

Keywords:

Meditation, ontology, technologies of the self, vipassana, zen

Abstract

The aim of this article is to reflect on the articulations of technologies of the self, politics and ontology, drawing on the example of meditative practices. Recognizing that, within the critical literature on meditation, there is a tendency to link these practices with neoliberalism, this article develops an ontological approach sensitive to the material, performative, spatial and affective dimensions of these technologies of the self. To unfold the ontological approach, the article analyzes three case studies: Vipassana meditation in the tradition of S. N. Goenka: Zen meditation according to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh; the way in which the Transition Network mobilizes practices of mindfulness within “inner transition”, resorting to participant observation and semi-structured interviews in Portugal, England and France. 

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Author Biography

  • António Carvalho, Universidad de Coímbra

    Investigador del Centro de Estudios Sociales y Profesor Adjunto de la Facultad de Eco- nomía de la Universidad de Coímbra, Portugal.

References

Published

2025-01-10

How to Cite

Technologies of the Self, Politics, and Ontology. The Case of Meditative Practices. (2025). Andamios, Revista De Investigación Social, 21(56), 249-273. https://doi.org/10.29092/uacm.v21i56.1128