Social typologies in the thought of Byung Chul Han

This study aims to examine the typologies of society used by pioneering figures in sociology since its inception and to understand their definitions regarding these typologies in conjunction with the changing world order. The evolution of societal definitions over the past centuries also offers us a perspective on the future of society. Sociologists develop their theories by establishing different categories and basing their theories on various criteria to understand the societies they are in. In this context, Ferdinand Tönnies' typology of 'community and society', Auguste Comte's 'law of three stages', and Emile Durkheim's classification of 'organic and mechanical' societies are considered products of such efforts. Some changes in our current period have also brought about new societal definitions. One of the thinkers who express these typologies impressively in today's context is Byung-Chul Han. In this regard, Han, a South Korean cultural and social theorist making important evaluations for the 21st century, has made some assessments based on societal typologies. His analysis of societal transformations through his concepts forms the basis of our study. In our study, we attempt to analyze the societal typologies emphasized by Byung-Chul Han in his works The Transparency Society, The Burnout Society, and The Palliative Society.