Žižek And So On Against Progress w/ Jack Black
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May 26, 2025 Joining the discussion is Jack Black, an associate professor and author of 'The Psychosis of Race,' known for his unique Lacanian approach to racism. The conversation dives into Slavoj Žižek's insights on quantum physics and history, unraveling how these ideas challenge conventional narratives of progress. They explore the complexities of language, authority, and swearing, revealing how they shape identity and social structures. Jack also shares intriguing stories likening philosophical musings to the quirks of his mother’s expressive language, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
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Jack Black's One-Night Read
- Jack Black read Žižek's Against Progress in one night, showing its compelling clarity.
- It uniquely blends philosophy and politics, making it a standout in Žižek's work.
Quantum History and Contingency
- Žižek uses quantum physics to reinterpret history as contingent and non-linear.
- The 'collapsed wave function' metaphor reveals lost historical possibilities shaping current reality.
Squashed Birds Metaphor
- Žižek urges us to seek the 'squashed dead birds' — lost possibilities in history that reveal alternatives.
- This reframes progress as non-linear, highlighting depoliticisation and culturalised politics as failures.