Byung-Chul Han: A Critical Introduction

by Steven Knepper, Ethan Stoneman, Robert Wyllie

Byung-Chul Han is one of the most important living philosophers, renowned for his critiques of the digital age. In response to the idea that new technological devices expand our freedom, he argues that they lead to burnout and self-absorption and that we must redevelop contemplative practices which slow us down and open us up. He has brought to his thought forms of deep cosmopolitanism developed from both Zen Buddhism and a renewed Romanticism.

This book is the first critical introduction to Han’s body of work. Knepper, Stoneman, and Wyllie explore Han’s rich oeuvre to date and his incisive contributions to a range of disciplines, including critical theory, media studies, political philosophy, and aesthetics. They unpack his key terms and illustrate his concepts with a range of examples, revealing how the critiques of the “achievement society” and burnout, which have earned Han a global audience, build on his earlier accounts of power, violence, and mood. This broader view addresses the most frequent criticisms of Han and makes a compelling case that he is not only an insightful diagnostician of the present moment but one whose interpretation of both Western and Eastern traditions offers wisdom for navigating the now acute problems of modernity.

This lively book is essential reading for anyone getting to grips with Han’s extraordinary work.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you've read all of Han's slim volumes, this academic overview of his work still has novel things to say about the man and his work. Mr. Wylie's contribution on Han's conception of "friendliness" was particularly insightful.
Also, the book pointed me to the 2015 documentary about him available for free on the world wide web "Müdigkeitsgesellschaft: Byung-Chul Han in Seoul/Berlin." Worth seeing.

[Roel Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is neither critical, nor an introduction to Han's work. I've read half a dozen of his essays, and had to return to them *while* reading this book. It makes assumptions about the reader's knowledge and familiarity with Han's work. Furthermore, the first two chapters were incomprehensible: if the actual essays by Han are easier to interpret than this introduction, something is terribly wrong. Steven Knepper's chapters, on the other hand, were actually rich in contextualization, and in relating Han's work to classic and contemporary thinkers. Truly enjoyed the last few chapters.

Wouldn't recommend reading this book without first reading some Han essays in advance.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating work. Great opportunity to learn more about one of the most intriguing intellectuals writing in our time.