5. The Modern Symbolic Change

The chapter, 'The Modern Symbolic Change: The Image of the Body and Heteronomy,' examines the historical and symbolic development of societies, focusing on the shift from pre-modern to modern forms. It explores the ideas of French political philosopher Claude Lefort, who argued that pre-modern societies were structured around a 'body' metaphor, where power was justified through religious and transcendent foundations. Lefort highlighted the symbolic institution of the social and the role of the 'image of the body' in maintaining social unity and stagnation. The chapter also delves into the emergence of modernity, characterized by the disintegration of this 'body' metaphor and the rise of secular, democratic societies. It discusses the role of the modern state in this transition and the new forms of power and historicity that emerged. The text offers a nuanced understanding of the symbolic and historical changes that underpinned the modern world, challenging traditional views of progress and power.