The master's thesis explores the relationship between capitalism and pharmacology, which has hitherto not been adequately conceptualized. Beginning with the scientific revolution of the 19th century, which brought about the concept of energy, we emphasize the role of the first law of thermodynamics, the law of conservation of energy, as it informed the understanding of human psychology and society. The influence of energy concepts can be found in Freud and Marx. Then, starting from the Freudian theoretical framework, in which the psychic apparatus is defined by the dynamics of pleasure and discomfort, we show that the latter entails the increase of excitation, which the apparatus tries to do away with through either motility or thought, with the concept of drive playing a special role, as it provides stimulation from within. After a brief discussion of social energetics, which seeks to explain culture through energy, we show that through the exploitation of workers, capitalism regulates the excitation of their bodies, and discuss the thesis that the accumulation of affects is the motive force of social change, and the ways in which capitalism has adapted to this dynamic. In the last chapter, we discuss the role of pharmacological agents, which ostensibly appear as means of pacifying these affects, explain their influence on the ontology of affectivity, and show their place in modern capitalism, with a special emphasis on antidepressants, which are today widely used.
|
