Episode #187 ... How much freedom would you trade for security? (Foucault, Hobbes, Mill, Agamben)

This podcast episode delves into the intricate relationship between freedom, security, and surveillance in the contemporary world. Drawing on the insights of Foucault, Deleuze, Orwell, and others, the speaker explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of a surveillance state, the tension between individual privacy and societal security, and the emergence of a new controlling society in which individuals are subjected to constant surveillance and control. Takeaways • In a society of control, the means of control blend across institutions, becoming more pervasive and flexible, resulting in a paradoxical freedom where individuals' behavior is constantly monitored and modified. • A surveillance state can reduce crime, corruption, and police brutality but also erode privacy and lead to the potential for abuse of power. • The boundaries between freedom and security constantly shift, and the future of this tension is shaped by individual decisions and the willingness of citizens to participate in discussions about these issues. • Privacy allows people to express their true selves, engage in private conversations, and exercise personal autonomy, which is crucial for a free and democratic society. • The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted society's willingness to give up privacy for public health, raising concerns about the lasting effects of exceptional powers during crises.