The Straw Is Not an Instrument of Juissance

Thanks for tuning in to Why Theory. On this episode, Todd and I discuss three interrelated terms: the master signifier, the quilting point, and the universal. Our conversation starts with a discussion of Lacan’s development of the master signifier and his curious abandonment of the quilting point. In the middle portion of the episode, we get stuck in to the different ways the master signifier has been articulated as a political term before concluding with a discussion about the universal that harkens back to our previous episode. Lots of moving parts in this episode but I think it’s our most comprehensive to date. As always, thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy the conversation.