Nomadism: Against methodological nationalism

Abstract

This article is inspired by Gilles Deleuze's philosophical nomadology and stresses the idea of subjectivity. It stresses the non-unitary, complex and inter-relational structure of the process of subject-formation and explores some of the implications of this structure for ethical relations, politics and for pedagogical practice. As for ethical relations, the emphasis falls on the ethics of affirmation and the extent to which they inform the practice of nomadic, transversal subjectivities. Great value is given to anti-nationalism, anti-racism and resistance to fixed and essentialized cultural or national identities. The article then explores the methodological implications of nomadic subjectivity: the rejection of the classical equation between rational consciousness and universal values; extensive transdisciplinarity and the practice of non-linearity. The main argument is that, by defending an open-ended and relational vision of the subject, philosophical nomadic thought contributes to cosmopolitan community building against narrow nationalistic practices and it sustains multiple ecologies of belonging.