The hosts discuss Marx's legacy as a philosopher and the practical effects of theory. They explore the scientific value of literature and representation, and the differences between Hegel's and Marx's dialectics. They also delve into the evolution of singing, desire, and motion, with a brief mention of Thomas Nail's critique.
Marx's philosophy has shaped our understanding of social formations and the relationship between production and power.
Affect and desire, explored by philosophers like Deleuze and Guattari, play a crucial role in shaping human behavior and social relations.
The concept of the body without organs challenges traditional notions of totality and offers potential for transformation within social, political, and economic systems.
Deep dives
The Impact of Marx's Philosophy
Marx's philosophy has had a significant impact on various disciplines, including politics, sociology, and economics. While he may not be traditionally thought of as a philosopher, Marx's ideas have shaped our understanding of social formations and the relationship between production and power. His concept of dialectics, with its emphasis on contradictions and over-determination, offers a nuanced approach to understanding complex systems. By examining the conditions of individuation and the genesis of thought, scholars like Simon Don and Gilles Deleuze have sought to push Marxian philosophy beyond traditional boundaries, exploring the broader implications of his ideas.
The Role of Affect and Desire
Affect and desire play a crucial role in shaping human behavior and experience. Affect refers to the flows of emotional or psychical energy that influence our moods and reactions. It operates at an unconscious level and can be both conscious and unconscious. Desire, on the other hand, involves our wants and motivations, driving us to seek certain experiences or outcomes. These concepts have been explored by philosophers such as Deleuze and Guattari, who emphasize the power of desire and affects in shaping social relations and individual subjectivities. By examining the partial objects and their associations, the understanding of affect and desire expands to encompass a range of behaviors and be influenced by various factors.
Exploring the Body without Organs
The concept of the body without organs, as articulated by Deleuze and Guattari, challenges traditional notions of totality and fixed structures. Instead, it offers a perspective that highlights the potential for fluidity, creativity, and resistance within social systems. The body without organs is not an incomplete part of a lost unity, but rather a biased entity that evaluates intensities and selects organs. It represents a multiplicity of possibilities and deterritorialized applications that can manifest in various ways. By considering the body without organs, we can explore the potential for transformation and reconfiguration within social, political, and economic systems.
The Poem as a Vehicle for Thought
The podcast discusses how poems can serve as a vehicle for conveying complex ideas. Despite being a poet, the speaker emphasizes that the poet is also a thinker and uses poems to explore and crystallize concepts from popular culture. For example, the speaker mentions the movie Nightcrawler and reflects on the idea of primitive accumulation portrayed in the film. The podcast highlights how poetic narratives can effectively present abstract ideas in a more understandable and relatable way.
The Relevance of the Spectacle and Transcendental Empiricism
The podcast delves into the enduring relevance of the spectacle in modern society and its connection to transcendental empiricism. The speaker draws on Guy Debord's book 'The Society of the Spectacle' and explains how it aligns with Hegelian formulations. This opens up discussion on the ways in which the spectacle continues to shape cultural and social dynamics. Additionally, the podcast explores the concept of transcendental empiricism and its method of critiquing dominant images of thought. The speaker highlights the influence of Epicurus and links his archaic form of empiricism to Deleuze's transcendental empiricism as a way to challenge oppressive religious beliefs and push thought beyond established boundaries.
Coop & Taylor discuss a wide swath of topics including Marx, the work of Thomas Nail, partial objects, and more.
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