This book is a philosophical essay on the sun. It draws on Georges
Bataille's theories of the solar economy and solar violence and
demonstrates their relevance to a world affected by the COVID-19
pandemic and climate change.
The sun, which, since Antiquity, has played an essential role in our
utopian imaginations, is the ultimate source of energy, both productive
and destructive. According to Georges Bataille, its infinite generosity
can be taken as the model for human societies, which suggests an
alternative to the capitalist economy with its infinite expansion,
colonization, and disastrous consequences on the cosmic scale.
Taking a step from solar economy to solar politics, Timofeeva locates
the grounds for it in solidarity with nature, treated neither as a
master nor as a slave, but as a comrade.
The book will appeal to students, academics, artists, and other readers
interested in the philosophy of nature, ecology, social and political
theory, postcolonial and decolonial studies, and the humanities
generally.