In this book Sergey Horujy undertakes a novel comparative analysis of Foucault's theory of practices of the self and the Eastern Orthodox ascetical tradition of Hesychasm, revealing deep affinities between these two radical "subject-less" approaches to anthropology. In facilitating this unusual dialogue, he offers both an original treatment of asce
Sergey S. Horujy is Founder and Director of the Institute of Synergic Anthropology in Moscow and Honorary Professor of the UNESCO Chair for Comparative Studies of Spiritual Traditions in St. Petersburg.
Paul Valliere -- Butler University "The leading expositor of Russian religious philosophy in his generation, Sergey Horujy is also a powerful speculative philosopher in his own right. His highly original synthesis -- synergic anthropology -- is on clear and full display here. By presenting his vision in dialogue with the thought of Michel Foucault, one of the icons of postmodernism, Horujy demonstrates the continuing vitality of the Russian Orthodox intellectual tradition in our time." Alyssa DeBlasio -- Dickinson College "Horujy is one of the most prolific and well-known philosophers in Russia today. . . . This translation is a superb jumping-off point for readers coming to Horujy's work for the first time; this particular selection is broadly representative of the style and content of his vast body of erudite work." Michael Marder -- University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz "In this thought-provoking book Horujy masterfully stages an unexpected encounter between East and West, Orthodox thought and the philosophy of Michel Foucault. Enriched with Horujy's original theory of synergic anthropology, this is the beginning of a dialogue to be applauded by anyone who wishes a brighter future for philosophy." Robert Bird -- University of Chicago "Sergey Horujy fearlessly traverses conventional disciplines, discourses, and histories in constructing an original religious-philosophical system. . . . The appearance of this work in Boris Jakim's vibrant translation, with Kristina Stoeckl's insightful introduction, is a true event not only for readers of Russian philosophy and Orthodox theology but for anyone with an interest in the contemporary life of the mind." Evert van der Zweerde -- Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands "Exemplifying postsecular philosophical thought and leaving behind a parochial understanding of Russian religious philosophy, Horujy here invites anyone interested in postmodern anthropology to think beyond habitual dichotomies -- philosophy/theology, West/East, Latin/Greek, pre-modern/modern. An important step in regauging philosophy for our contemporary age."
