Philosopher Slavoj Žižek, known for his provocative insights into culture and theory, teams up with academic Shahidha Bari, an expert in postcolonial thought. They dive into Hegel's legacy and his relevance to today's digital age, discussing the concept of a 'wired brain' and its implications for personal freedom. The conversation tackles how technology reshapes identity and relationships, while also reflecting on Hegel's warnings about knowledge arriving too late. Their exchange prompts critical questions about individuality and spirituality in a tech-dominated world.
45:15
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Hegel's Philosophy of Failure
Hegel is not an absolute rationalist, but a philosopher of radical contingency.
He was obsessed with how even the best plans can fail, leading to unexpected outcomes.
question_answer ANECDOTE
20th Century as Hegelian
The 20th century, like the First World War, exemplified Hegel's ideas.
A peaceful era of progress was shattered by unexpected carnage.
insights INSIGHT
Singularity vs. Hegel
The singularity, characterized by the fusion of machine and human intelligence, struggles to accommodate failure.
Žižek argues this inability to fail is a key difference with Hegel's thought.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The novel follows Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family who is sent to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park. Fanny navigates the complexities of her new environment, dealing with the mistreatment by some family members and the kindness of her cousin Edmund. The story unfolds with the arrival of the charming but morally dubious Crawfords, leading to a series of scandals and moral dilemmas. Ultimately, Fanny's integrity and compassion guide her through the challenges, and she finds love and a sense of belonging with Edmund[1][3][5].
Hegel in a Wired Brain
Slavoj Žižek
Slavoj Žižek's "Hegel in a Wired Brain" delves into the intersection of Hegelian philosophy and contemporary technological advancements, particularly the concept of the 'singularity' and the 'wired brain.' Žižek explores the implications of a direct link between our minds and digital machines, questioning the nature of human subjectivity and freedom in such a scenario. He challenges the utopian visions often associated with technological singularity, highlighting potential threats to human experience and the erosion of essential aspects of human existence. The book prompts critical reflection on the future of consciousness and the human condition in an increasingly technologically advanced world. It's a complex and thought-provoking analysis of the philosophical implications of technological progress.
Nazi Ethics
Nazi Ethics
A Study of Particularism and Genocide
Claudia Koons
Other Historians
Nazi ethics were characterized by a particularistic approach that rejected universalism and emphasized the superiority of the Aryan community. This ideology was used to justify exclusionary policies and mass murder. Historians like Claudia Koonz have examined how these ethical frameworks were constructed and maintained during the Nazi era.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of G.W.F. Hegel, Slavoj Žižek speaks to Shahidha Bari about the philosophical giant that changed our way of thinking about posthumanism. Together they investigate what he might have had to say about the idea of the 'singularity' and the 'wired brain' – what happens when a direct link between our mental processes and a digital machine emerges. For more information on Slavoj Zizek's new book, click here: https://bit.ly/3g8E15M ------------------------------ Intelligence Squared+. The world's best speakers. Your questions. £4.99 per month. Intelligence Squared+ will bring you live, interactive events every week on our new online platform. Just like at our real-life events, you’ll be able to put your questions to our speakers, vote in live polls and interact with other members of the audience. Your subscription will give you access to multiple events featuring the world’s top thinkers and opinion formers, including Thomas Piketty, Margaret Atwood, Clive Woodward, Thomas Friedman, Meera Syal and Paloma Faith. For a full list of Intelligence Squared+ events and to subscribe, click here: https://bit.ly/2yfYIfm
Intelligence Squared 
