Henry Somers Hall - Deleuze, Difference, and Repetition
Aug 29, 2022
auto_awesome
Henry Somers Hall, an expert in Deleuze's Difference and Repetition, discusses topics such as Deleuze's unique approach to philosophy, the complexities of representing time, untangling complex texts, connections between Delir's work and Hegel, the concept of the dice throw and potentiality, engaging with the teleological suspension of the ethical in Kierkegaard's work, and the critique of logomorphic model and phenomenology.
Collaborative thinking and dialogue can lead to new insights and discoveries.
Deleuze challenges representation and seeks alternative frameworks for understanding.
Deleuze's work holds political implications by questioning hierarchies and institutions.
Reading groups facilitate collaborative exploration of ideas, leading to fresh insights and interpretations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Dialogue and Collaborative Thinking
Through dialogue and collaborative thinking, new insights can emerge, even when discussing complex or unfamiliar topics. The process of discussing and exploring ideas with others who may have different perspectives can lead to a deeper understanding and new discoveries. This form of engagement allows for the exchange of diverse knowledge and experiences, enabling a richer and more nuanced exploration of concepts and problems.
The Critique of Representation and the Search for New Modes of Thinking
Deluze's work challenges the limitations of representation, pointing out its tendency to reinforce hierarchical structures and fixed categorizations. By critiquing traditional models of thinking and knowledge production, Deluze seeks to move beyond pre-established concepts and modes of understanding. He does this by exploring alternative frameworks such as multiplicities, intensities, and non-metric thinking, which offer the potential for new and transformative ways of approaching complex subjects.
The Intersection of Politics and Philosophy in Deluze's Thought
Deluze's work encompasses political implications that are often overlooked. While his writings may not explicitly focus on politics, they hold relevance to political theory by questioning established hierarchies, critiquing institutions, and highlighting the potential for change and transformation. His engagement with issues such as power relations, social structures, and the nature of knowledge points to his underlying political commitment. This engagement is further evidenced in his interest in struggles for liberation and justice, as well as his involvement in political movements and causes.
The Importance of Collaborative Thinking in Reading Groups
Reading groups provide a space for collaborative thinking and dialogue, allowing participants to share and explore ideas together. In this collaborative process, different perspectives and experiences come together, stimulating new insights and interpretations. Through conversation, even with individuals who may not possess prior knowledge or background in the subject matter, fresh ideas and connections can emerge. The presence of others and their involvement in the discussion can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and understandings, enhancing the overall learning experience.
The critique of traditional images of thought and the importance of intensity
Delos critiques traditional images of thought that start with qualities and work back to intensity, arguing that this already skews the game. He emphasizes the need to understand intensity as operating prior to extensity and constituting systems, rather than seeing it as a difference between two already instantiated systems. This critique extends to fields such as thermodynamics, where the focus on entropy leads to a limited understanding of intensity. Delos proposes a more affirmative view of death and creation, where intensity is constantly fizzing up through things, allowing for the continual generation of new forms and organizations.
Exploring multiplicity and consciousness in Jean-Paul Sartre
Hall is interested in the notion of multiplicity in Sartre's work, particularly in the idea that consciousness unifies itself without the need for an ego. By seeing the different moments of consciousness as waves that constitute the ocean itself, Delos draws a parallel to his own concept of intensity and extends it to Sartre's understanding of consciousness. Hall aims to explore the connections and divergences between their ideas, diving into topics such as the encounter and Sartre's notion of organization.
Unpacking the concept of clear obscure and delving into abstract philosophy
Hall discusses the concept of clear obscure in Delos, which moves beyond the traditional idea of clear and distinct representations. This notion of clear obscure is related to Delos' critique of traditional images of thought that start with qualities and work back to intensity. Hall finds it intriguing how Delos relates clear obscure to the concept of intensity and abstract philosophy. There is also an interest in the potential innovation of new philosophical writing styles, such as the creation of abstract philosophy, distinct from traditional expositions.
Henry Somers-Hall joined Coop and Tay for a rousing discussion focusing primarily on Henry's Deleuze's Difference and Repetition: Deleuze's Difference and Repetition: An Edinburgh Philosophical Guide.
Henry's Links:
https://henrysomershall.net/about/
https://pure.royalholloway.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/henry-somershall(9b215915-fcd6-4567-8463-c0c39f5aed70).html
https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=YKRlvfwAAAAJ&hl=en
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/muhh
Twitter: @unconscioushh
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
