The lecture examines the origin and meanings of prefiguration. Prefigurative politics entails a holistic approach to social change, it focuses on social reproduction and the preservation of life rather than solely economic production. The case of Occupy Wall Street is discussed to show that a growing number of contemporary social movements are implementing a dualistic strategy that simultaneously combines repertoires of action typical of protest movements with prefigurative practices focused on the embodiment of alternatives. The argument advanced is that prefigurative politics should be acknowledged as a pivotal concept in establishing a radical, emancipatory and decolonial public philosophy.