zoe
n. uncountablen. the basic fact of being alive that all living things share. It is different from the specific way a person lives their life or their place in society.
n. the raw, biological fact of life common to all living organisms. Frequently contrasted in continental philosophy with 'bios', which refers to the qualified, political, or biographical life of an individual.
The philosopher discussed the difference between zoe and bios.
In his lectures, he argued that modern politics focuses too much on zoe, or mere biological survival.
Agamben’s work explores how the state exerts power over zoe, reducing the human being to a state of bare life stripped of all legal and political rights.
Typically used in philosophical or academic contexts; often remains uncapitalized unless at the start of a sentence.