Between “cases” and typologies

Abstract

I propose to follow up certain angles of the problem of typologies and the differential use of “cases” in Nietzsche and Foucault, as part of a broader reflection on the issue of typological creation conceived as a transversal theme in the “history of philosophy”. Starting from a diagnosis of the present, in which the construction of profiles emerges in its dimension of predicting and conducting conducts, I draw on studies of “cases” of psychological characterization presented by these philosophers, situating them in connection with their operation within “typologies". Finally, as a way of distinguishing between differential mappings, I outline a distinction between socially accepted typologies and the invention of new typological forms to be achieved, referring to the latter as typologies/targets.