Creative Autonomy

Toni Negri on the revolutionary potential of creative autonomy as a way out and forward.

In this engaging dialogue, Toni Negri explores his philosophical and political journey, spanning from his early engagement with Marxism and workerism (operaismo) to his later involvement with autonomist movements and the development of his thought alongside influential figures like Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze, and Félix Guattari. The conversation delves into Negri’s reflections on his experiences, his theoretical contributions, and the intersections between his political activism and philosophical inquiries. It covers a wide range of topics, including his time in prison, his work on Spinoza and the concept of the multitude, and his critical stance towards traditional Marxism and the Frankfurt School.

Additionally, the dialogue touches on contemporary issues, such as the war in Ukraine, showcasing Negri’s ongoing engagement with current political dynamics. Throughout, Negri emphasizes the importance of immanentist philosophy, creative autonomy, and the role of living labor in resisting and shaping the conditions of capitalism, offering insights into his contributions to post-Marxist thought and the global left.

I am particularly interested in Toni Negri’s thoughts on creative autonomy, particularly within the framework of his thought and broader continental philosophy. It touches upon the ability of individuals or collectives to generate, define, and pursue their life projects independently of predetermined structures or external constraints. This idea resonates with Negri’s engagement with Spinoza, where autonomy is seen not just in the political sense of self-governance but in a deeply creative and ontological sense. Here’s how we can understand and contextualize creative autonomy:

1. Autonomy as Creative Force

Creative autonomy suggests that individuals or collectives are not merely free to make choices within a given set of options but can create those options themselves. This is autonomy exercised not just in selecting paths but in forging them, implying a fundamental creative capability intrinsic to being.