Lars Iyer, a British novelist and philosopher of Indian/Danish parentage, discusses his recently published theory fiction novel exploring the philosophy of Simone Vay and academic life in Britain. Topics covered include the role of British comedy in addressing suffering, the marginalization of academic spaces, criticism and support for a house helping people with addiction, the essence of love and vulnerability in human relationships, and the accessibility and emotional impact of the book.
The novel explores the vulnerability and passion of philosophers in a British academic setting, combining comedy with moments of serious philosophical discussion.
The protagonist's journey from philosophy to creative writing showcases the contrast between academic writing and the freedom of expression found in blogging.
The novel raises questions about the nature of suffering, the human longing for connection and purpose, and presents contrasting perspectives to address nihilism and finding meaning.
Deep dives
The novel revolves around Simone Vay's philosophy and the struggles of academia
The novel centers around the philosophy of Simone Vay and its connection to the challenges faced in academia. The protagonist, Johnny, falls in love with Vay's ideas and her embodiment of a new way of being an academic. The novel explores the vulnerability and passion of philosophers in a British academic setting, combining comedy with moments of serious philosophical discussion.
The impact of blogging on the protagonist's journey towards novel writing
After facing ridicule for his philosophical blog posts, the protagonist turns to novel writing as a way to merge his admiration for philosophers like Maurice Blanchot with literary prose. The novel highlights the contrast between academic writing and the freedom of expression found in blogging, showcasing the protagonist's journey from philosophy to creative writing.
The struggles and celebration of continental philosophy in the UK
The novel pays homage to continental philosophy departments in the UK that face closure or have already closed. It celebrates the world of continental philosophy, addressing the challenges that thinkers and departments have experienced. The narrative emphasizes the British skepticism towards pretension and the ability to find humor while still admiring the seriousness and passion present in philosophical ideas.
The importance of vulnerability in relationships and the search for meaning
The novel delves into themes of vulnerability, relationships, and the search for meaning. Johnny and the characters around him are portrayed with a sense of care, love, and vulnerability. The novel explores the importance of responding to the call of others, as well as the limitations and complexities of compassion. It raises questions about the nature of suffering and the human longing for connection and purpose.
Overcoming nihilism and the role of love and care
The novel navigates the challenge of overcoming nihilism and finding meaning. It presents contrasting perspectives, including Nietzschean and Jewish philosophical traditions, to address the question of whether care and love can overcome nihilism. The characters' experiences, including the stabbing of Simone Vay, prompt reflection on the limitations of institutional structures and the potential of embracing a more foolish, personal path to finding meaning and connecting with others.
Lars Iyer is a British novelist and philosopher of Indian/Danish
parentage. He is best known for a trilogy of short novels: Spurious,
Dogma, and Exodus, all published by Melville House. Iyer has been
shortlisted for both the Believer Book Award and the Goldsmiths Prize.
In this episode we discuss his most recent book My Weil.
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